A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Niger State, Jonathan Vatsa has claimed that the violence in Plateau and Benue states is politically motivated.

Vatsa alleged that some forces were sponsoring the attack to discredit the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections.

He claimed in a statement released in Minna that the same strategies were applied to the 2014 administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, which finally resulted in its overthrow.

He claimed that some people are financing unrest and violence in order to undermine the Tinubu-led administration and open the door for their favored candidates in 2027.

Vatsa, who also serves as Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago of Niger State’s Special Advisor on Public-Private Partnership, asked President Tinubu to act quickly to address the country’s security issues, threatening to remove him from office if he doesn’t.

He claims that in 2014, the same individuals incited Muslims and Christians to oppose the Jonathan administration, using insecurity as a tool to incite discontent among Nigerians.

“The same individuals are starting over from scratch. All of the murders in Plateau and Benue are planned; they are all related to 2027. By now, the government ought to be aware of this.

Citing the previous administration’s eight-year reign despite many difficulties, the Niger State APC chairman expressed optimism that the current security concerns would not impede President Tinubu’s bid for reelection in 2027.

He also bemoaned the government’s inability to act against the violence’s sponsors and perpetrators despite knowing who they are, emphasizing the necessity of strong leadership in addressing security concerns.

“They are political merchants,” Vatsa added, “and if they are not in any government, then that government must fail.” They will incite violence and instability against the government.