Nigeria’s democracy faces threat as the APC dominates politics.

By Musa Ubandawaki, Sokoto

Ambassador Faruk Malami Yabo, a prominent opposition figure in Sokoto State, has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of eroding Nigeria’s democratic system. He claims the party is engaging in political infiltration, suppressing opposition groups, and attempting to establish a “one‑party dominance” across the country.

The former diplomat, who has recently secured his party’s senatorial nomination for the 2027 elections, made the statements while speaking to journalists and supporters after receiving broad endorsements from stakeholders in the senatorial district.

Yabo said the growing public support for his candidacy reflects a desire for credible leadership, inclusive governance, and a clear political vision for Sokoto State. He added that many citizens are increasingly dissatisfied with the current state of governance, particularly in security, agriculture, education, healthcare, and infrastructure development.

He also publicly praised former Sokoto State Governor and current Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal for withdrawing from the race in his favor. Yabo described Tambuwal’s decision as a rare act of statesmanship that attracted national attention and strengthened unity within the opposition movement.

“I must sincerely extend my profound gratitude to Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal for deciding to step down for me. His action generated major national attention and demonstrated maturity, sacrifice and leadership,” he said.

Yabo noted that replacing Tambuwal would be difficult because of the former governor’s extensive political experience and contributions to both Sokoto State and Nigeria. He recalled Tambuwal’s career, from representing Tambuwal/Kebbe Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives in 2003, to serving as Speaker of the House from 2011 to 2015, then as Governor of Sokoto State for two terms, and finally as a Senator.

“Tambuwal’s political influence and achievements have continued to shape politics in Sokoto State and beyond,” Yabo said.

On his own political journey, the senatorial hopeful explained that his move from the APC to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2023 was driven by ideology and vision rather than personal ambition. He insisted that he and his associates joined the PDP when key positions were already occupied, and that their intention was to contribute meaningfully to governance and development rather than to displace established party members.

“We joined the PDP because we believed in a vision for Sokoto State. It was not about fighting for positions because many of the major positions had already been taken before we came,” he stated.

He added that although the PDP lost at certain levels in the last election cycle, the party still enjoys strong support in parts of Sokoto State due to the confidence the people place in it.

Yabo also criticized the APC-led national administration, accusing it of failing to address the country’s pressing socioeconomic and security challenges. “The country has witnessed setbacks in agriculture, worsening insecurity, decaying infrastructure, poor educational outcomes and declining healthcare services under the current administration,” he said. “When you look at the APC journey today, it is a failed situation completely. Security has deteriorated, agricultural gains have been reversed, infrastructure is struggling, education is in distress and public healthcare is in serious difficulty,” he alleged.

He said the emergence of a broad opposition coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is a response to growing fears of democratic backsliding and the alleged concentration of power by the APC. He maintained that prominent political leaders and patriots across the country are mobilizing to build a stronger opposition platform capable of defending Nigeria’s democracy and preserving multiparty politics.

“Democracy thrives when political parties are allowed to operate independently and compete freely without interference or intimidation,” he said.

Yabo expressed concern over deliberate attempts to weaken opposition parties through internal destabilization and external interference. “In every democracy, political parties should be allowed to function based on their constitutions and internal structures. What we are seeing now is infiltration and deliberate destabilization of opposition parties, which is dangerous for democracy,” he said.

He warned that attempts to weaken opposition voices could push Nigeria toward authoritarianism if not checked by democratic institutions and the electorate. He urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and committed to protecting democratic values, political pluralism, and the rule of law ahead of future elections.

The survival of democracy in Nigeria depends largely on credible elections, strong institutions, and the ability of citizens to freely determine their political future without coercion or manipulation.

The remarks come amid increasing political realignments and coalition talks among opposition figures ahead of the 2027 general elections, as parties intensify consultations across the country.

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