APC FOUNDING MEMBER IN NIGER SLAMS BAGO ADMINISTRATION AS WORST SINCE 1999 OVER ABANDONED PROJECTS, HIGHHANDEDNESS

By Aliyu Lawal

Ex-Commissioner Jonathan Vatsa Decries Governance in Niger State, Cites Billions Spent on Unfinished Projects Despite Record FAAC Allocations
Niger State Govt Has Nothing to Show for Record Allocations and Loans in 3.5 Years

Alleges APC Chieftain Vatsa
Edited Press Release
DEMOCRACY MINNA
October 27, 2026
APC Founding Member in Niger State Accuses Party of Highhandedness, Labels Bago Administration the Worst Since 1999
A founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Niger State and former Commissioner for Information, Culture, and Tourism,

Mr.
Jonathan Sado Vatsa, has described the current administration led by Governor Umar Mohammed Bago as the worst since the return of democracy in 1999.

He alleged that despite the enormous resources at its disposal, the administration has nothing tangible to show for it.

The former APC chieftain, who stated this while addressing journalists in Minna, also claimed that abandoned and uncompleted projects have become a common sight across Niger State.

Mr. Vatsa explained that the state has received the highest allocations from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) following the removal of the fuel subsidy, alongside securing the highest loans since 1999.

Yet, he noted, the state continues to parade the highest number of uncompleted projects spread across its domains.

He cited the remodeling of the IBB Hospital in Minna, which initially consumed a whopping 11.8 billion naira before the cost was inflated to 18.2 billion naira, yet the project remains uncompleted.

According to him, bad governance under the APC-led administration in Niger State has reached an alarming proportion, leaving residents with nothing to show for the last three and a half years of the current government.
Mr.

Vatsa further accused the ruling party of derailing and refusing to listen to the people, stressing that speaking the truth has been criminalized, making critics enemies of the state.

He stated that these were some of the reasons he left the party to protect and preserve his integrity.

Asked whether he has joined another political party following his resignation after 13 years in the APC, he replied that he has not.

He stated that he would first consult with stakeholders and people from his ward in Lapai Local Government Area within the week before making a decision on his next line of action.

He concluded by commending journalists in Niger State for their continued professional competence and urged them to remain steadfast.