By Rosemary Ameh, Sokoto
A prominent opposition leader in Sokoto State, Faruk Malami Yabo, has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of threatening Nigeria’s democratic system through alleged attempts to weaken opposition parties and dominate the nation’s political space ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Yabo, a former diplomat and recently confirmed senatorial candidate under African Democratic Congress (ADC), made the remarks while addressing journalists and supporters after receiving endorsements from political stakeholders across his senatorial district.
According to him, the growing support for his candidature reflects public frustration over worsening national conditions and a strong desire for credible leadership and inclusive governance in Sokoto State.
He said many Nigerians were increasingly dissatisfied with the state of security, agriculture, education, healthcare and infrastructure under the current administration.
The opposition figure also praised former Sokoto State Governor and Senator representing Sokoto South, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, for stepping down from the senatorial contest in his favour.
Yabo described the move as a rare demonstration of political maturity, sacrifice and statesmanship that strengthened unity within the opposition camp and attracted national attention.
“I sincerely appreciate Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal for stepping aside in my favour. His action demonstrated leadership, sacrifice and political maturity,” he stated.
He added that replacing Tambuwal politically would remain a major challenge because of the former governor’s long-standing influence and contributions to both Sokoto State and Nigeria.
Yabo highlighted Tambuwal’s political career, noting that he served in the House of Representatives from 2003, became Speaker of the House between 2011 and 2015, later governed Sokoto State for two terms and currently serves in the Senate.
According to him, Tambuwal’s political legacy continues to shape politics in Sokoto State and beyond.
Speaking on his own political journey, Yabo explained that his defection from the APC to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2023 was based on political ideology and vision rather than personal ambition.
He stressed that he and his supporters joined the PDP after many major party positions had already been occupied, insisting that their objective was to contribute to governance and development rather than fight for power.
“We joined the PDP because we believed in a vision for Sokoto State, not because we wanted positions,” he said.
Yabo further argued that despite electoral setbacks in some areas, the PDP continued to enjoy strong grassroots support in parts of Sokoto State due to public confidence in the party.
He also criticised the APC led Federal Government, accusing it of failing to tackle major socio-economic and security challenges confronting the country.
According to him, insecurity has worsened while progress in agriculture, infrastructure, education and healthcare declined under the current administration.
“When you look at the APC government today, the situation is disappointing. Security has deteriorated, agriculture has suffered setbacks, infrastructure is struggling, education is in distress and healthcare is facing serious challenges,” he said.
Yabo said the emergence of a broad opposition coalition under the ADC was a response to fears of democratic backsliding and increasing concentration of political power.
He maintained that democratic governance could only thrive when political parties were allowed to function independently without intimidation or interference.
He warned against alleged attempts to destabilise opposition parties, saying such actions posed a serious threat to Nigeria’s democracy and political pluralism.
“In every democracy, political parties must be allowed to operate freely according to their constitutions and internal structures. Attempts to infiltrate and weaken opposition parties are dangerous for democracy,” he said.
Yabo cautioned that suppressing opposition voices could push Nigeria toward authoritarianism if democratic institutions and citizens failed to resist such tendencies.
He urged Nigerians to remain committed to protecting democratic values, credible elections, the rule of law and the freedom of citizens to determine their political future without coercion.
His remarks come amid ongoing political realignments and coalition discussions among opposition figures across the country ahead of the 2027 general elections.
*PHOTO CAPTION: Yabo.
