Jonathan Vatsa, a prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Niger State, has called for the resignation of Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Vatsa criticized Akpabio for his insensitive remark telling hunger protesters to continue their demonstration while he enjoys a meal. He deemed this statement both embarrassing and indicative of the culture from Akpabio’s former party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Akpabio had previously denied making the statement, but Vatsa insists that the Senate President must apologize to Nigerians. Vatsa argued that appointing Akpabio as Senate President was a grave mistake, reflecting poorly on the APC and its governance. He claimed the APC has been taken over by individuals from whom Nigerians sought change in 2015 and accused Akpabio of wanting to continue the corrupt practices he engaged in under the PDP.
Vatsa, the former Commissioner for Information in Niger State, expressed disappointment that Akpabio, who governed Akwa Ibom State under the PDP, now holds a significant position in the APC-led government. He urged the APC to restore its image and rebuild trust with Nigerians by starting with Akpabio’s resignation. This, Vatsa believes, would demonstrate the party’s commitment to serious governance reforms before the 2027 elections.