By Princess Simon (Bureau Chief North Central, in Minna)
Less than two weeks after announcing his resignation from the All Progressive Congress (APC) former Publicity Secretary of the party in Niger state and former Special Adviser to Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, Jonathan Tsado Vatsa has joined the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
Jonathan Vatsa, who had served as Commissioner for Information Culture and Tourism under the then Governor, now Senator Abubarkar Sani Bello, Niger-North Senatorial district joined the SDP with his teeming supporters and kinsmen.
The former APC Chieftain joined opposition SDP on Wednesday at his Gulu Angwan-Gulu, Vatsa Ward in Lapai Local Government Area (LGA), where he was issued the party membership card with number, N10120100001 after a short but memorable ceremony by the party’s ward Chairman, Alhaji Adamu Mohammed Baba.
Formal declaring for the SDP brings to an end, speculations about next political moves by Vatsa after announcing his resignation from the ruling APC about two weeks ago.
Vatsa who was instrumental to the emergence of APC in Niger state had accused the party of betraying the trust and confidence of Nigerians by repeating and in some cases exhibiting worst form of anti-democratic norms or abuse of power than the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) they worked hard to oust from power.
In a well attended ceremony which took place at party ward, the former APC spokesman in Niger state also announced the defection of over 200 of his supporters from from both the APC and PDP, cutting across the five Wards that made up Azza to his new party.
Supporters who joined Vatsa from the five Wards are from; Evuti-Pada, Ebbo-Gbacheko, Muye-Egba, Gupa-Abuge, Gulu-Anguwan and Gulu-Vatsa respectively.
Some of the decampees attributed their political alignment to the resignation of Vatsa from the ruling APC, describing the trend as long overdue due to their conviction that the party has nothing more to offer Nigerians except endless excuses for its failures.
The supporters said they have no choice than to follow Vatsa to his new political party because he is not just been a pillar of support to the community, but always carried them along before making decisions politically.
Also speaking, the Ward Chairman of the party while presenting the SDP membership card to the man he described as a "big fish" for the party, said contributions of Vatsa to the development of the area remained unequaled.
The SDP Ward Chairman praising Vatsa for excellent political calculations said, "The decision you have taken today to leave the APC is long overdue, it is a welcomed development because by all standards the party have failed Nigerians".
"The APC has pushed Nigerians below the poverty line, people are merely struggling to survive and that is why Nigerians must vote them out in thr 2027 general elections".
He further pointed out that, "With your grassroots political experience and contributions to the political development of Niger state, we are confident that the SDP will take over the reigns of power in the state come 2027".
Also speaking, the Ward youth leader of the party, Mallam Said Mohammed assured Jonathan Vatsa that he will have no regrets joining the SDP because the party is one of the oldest party today in Nigeria with massive structures waiting for people like him to make things happen.
Addressing party members and supporters shortly after obtaining his membership card, the former Commissioner said his decision to join the SDP was informed by his convictions that the governorship candidate of the party in the state, Mohammed Mohammed Ndarani (SAN) is a man that can be trusted with leadership and respect for democratic norms and principles.
"The SDP governorship candidate means well for the people of Niger state, and his track records of achievements makes him a man that can be trusted with power".
Describing the current dispensation under the APC in the state as the worst since 1999, as there is little or nothing to show for enormous resources at its disposal, Vatsa told the people that it is on records that while he was within the system remained very consistent in his criticisms of the way and manner public funds were being mismanaged by the Umaru Bago led administration.
Vatsa gave instances mismanagement of the state's collective wealth, Vatsa said, "There is no single project worth N5 billion has been completed, and that's why I urge you all to get your Permanent Voters Card (PVCs) ready to vote this government out in the state".
Vatsa who reminded his people that political party does not make people, rather the people make political parties said, "With the support of you all that have decided to move along with me to SDP today, the party will soon stamp it's authority in the state, and we will take over the realm of government come next year". NNL.
