The Social Democratic Party, SDP has formally received former All Progressives Congress, APC, chieftain, Dr Jonathan Vatsa, into its fold in Niger State.
The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, who received Vatsa in Minna on behalf of the National Chairman, Professor Sadiq Umar Abubakar Gombe, described his defection as a major boost to the party.
Aiyenigba said Vatsa’s political experience, influence and grassroots mobilisation skills would strengthen the SDP ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He urged party members to remain united and committed to securing electoral victory in the state.
Vatsa defected to the SDP on October 28, alongside more than 200 supporters from his ward in Lapai Local Government Area of Niger State.
He was the pioneer Publicity Secretary of the APC in Niger State and served as Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism.
He also served as Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication to Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago.
Following his defection, the SDP governorship candidate, Mohammed Ndarani Mohammed, SAN, appointed him Campaign Spokesperson and Director of Contact and Mobilisation.
The formal reception took place at a rally in Minna attended by party leaders and supporters from the 21 local government areas of the state.
Those present included the National Vice-Chairman, North-Central, AVM Sadick Abubakar Liman, Rtd. Deputy Governorship Candidate, Samson Japhet Pada; and State Woman Leader, Hajia Rahmat Auwal.
