Speaking with journalists in Minna on Monday, he urged Tinubu to change his approach and reconnect directly with Nigerians, saying the President should not depend solely on political structures ahead of 2027.

“For the number of APC governors that gathered in Osun, and for them to come back empty-handed, it is an indication that they have lost the confidence of the people,” Vatsa said.

He attributed the growing public anger to economic hardship, arguing that increased revenues following the removal of fuel subsidy had not translated into meaningful relief for ordinary Nigerians.

“The entire fuel subsidy money is being shared to the governors who are doing little or nothing with it, and unfortunately Nigerians are putting the blame of the current hardship on the doorstep of President Tinubu,” he said.

Vatsa said Nigerians were becoming less influenced by political structures, big names and elite endorsements, insisting that voters were now more concerned about tangible improvements in their lives.

“What the people want now is food on their table, jobs for their children, security in their communities, and visible impact from government in their daily lives,” Vatsa added.

The APC chieftain also blamed internal divisions within the ruling party for its poor performance in Osun, warning that similar opposition within the party could affect the 2027 general elections.

“There are so many oppositions within the party, and this will also play out in the general elections in 2027,” he said.

Vatsa further cautioned Tinubu against depending on ministers, lawmakers and governors whom he said had lost the confidence of their constituents.

“Many of the elites he is relying on, including ministers, lawmakers and governors, are not working in his best interest,” he noted.

Vatsa described the Osun election as an early warning to the APC, saying hunger, unemployment, insecurity and perceived poor leadership could shape voters’ decisions in 2027.

“If, despite the full solidarity of the APC structure in Osun, the governorship result did not favour our party, then the message is crystal clear. It is time for Tinubu to reconnect with the grassroots before the 2027 contest,” he stressed.

“I want to congratulate all Nigerians for victory over APC. I am not congratulating Osun people alone but all Nigerians because the signal is there that federal might means no might alone.

“When the might of Almighty God is standing and the people uphold the Almighty God, federal might is nothing,” he said.

The former APC chieftain drew a biblical comparison to explain the result, saying: “As powerful as Pharaoh was, when the powerful might was with the Israelites he tried all he could but the Israelites were freed by force. Osun State has been freed, Osun people have been freed. It is a signal that Nigerians have been freed.”

Ojo noted the heavy presence of APC leaders in Osun during the election, including the Senate President, almost all APC governors, and federal lawmakers.

He said: “Senate President was there to campaign, almost all APC governors were there to campaign, senators and House of Representatives members decamped to the APC but with all these what happened? The people of Osun State headed by a governor that is always praising God, they resolved that darkness will never cover Osun State again and God stood with them.”

He predicted that if Nigerians unite, the APC will suffer a disgraceful defeat in 2027.

“When we resolve to form a united bodyC, God Almighty will stay with us and APC will not just be defeated in 2027 but they will be disgraced out of power.

“Federal might means nothing. If Nigerians can come together in one positive force APC will be disgraced, APC will be humiliated in 2027 general election,” Ojo said.