APC Chieftain Vatsa Warns Presidential Aides: Attacks on Bishops Could Hurt Tinubu’s 2027 Re-election Bid

Jonathan Vatsa, an APC chieftain from Niger State, has accused presidential spokespersons Daniel Bwala and Bayo Onanuga of escalating tensions with the Christian community.

He said the unwarranted attacks on the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria and Cardinal John Onaiyekan, which followed the bishops’ comments on poverty, hardship and insecurity, were politically damaging.

Vatsa warned that continuous attacks could undermine President Bola Tinubu’s chances of securing a second term in 2027.

He insisted the remarks by the presidential aides could deepen the perception that Tinubu’s administration is insensitive to Christians, especially after the controversy surrounding the Muslim‑Muslim presidential ticket.

According to him, the bishops merely fulfilled their moral and spiritual duty by highlighting worsening living conditions, stressing that their intervention was neither political nor motivated by personal interests.

“Their comments and attacks on these highly respected Christian leaders will surely hurt the President in his re‑election bid,” Vatsa said.

He added that the bishops did not visit the Presidential Villa to seek contracts, appointments or political patronage but spoke on behalf of millions of Nigerians who can no longer afford three square meals, families devastated by insecurity and kidnapping, and citizens whose livelihoods have been eroded by the harsh economic situation.

Vatsa maintained that rather than discrediting the bishops, the government should address the substance of their concerns, noting that hunger, poverty and insecurity remain everyday realities across many parts of the country.

“Anyone who claims there is no extreme hunger and poverty in Nigeria today carries the curse of Nigerians on his head. Nigerians are dying every day from hunger and hardship,” he stated.

He urged Bwala and Onanuga to show greater respect for the Christian faith and the Catholic Church, warning that persistent attacks on prominent Christian leaders could further widen the trust deficit between the government and many Christian faithful.

The APC chieftain insisted that anyone denying widespread hardship is detached from the realities facing ordinary citizens, stressing that religious leaders have a duty to speak for the voiceless and hold leaders accountable.

He also challenged the presidential aides to tour states such as Borno and Niger to witness firsthand the impact of insecurity, displacement and economic hardship on citizens, instead of dismissing the concerns expressed by the bishops.