Sokoto Senatorial hopeful Faruk Yabo accuses APC of political infiltration, democratic backsliding

Anene Aike, Sokoto

A leading opposition figure in Sokoto State, Ambassador Faruk Malami Yabo, has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of undermining Nigeria’s democratic system through alleged political infiltration, suppression of opposition parties, and attempts to impose what he described as a “one-party dominance” across the country.

Yabo, who recently secured his party’s senatorial ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections, made the remarks while addressing journalists and supporters shortly after receiving widespread endorsements from stakeholders across his senatorial district.

He attributed the growing support for his candidacy to what he described as citizens’ demand for credible leadership, inclusive governance, and a clearer political direction for Sokoto State.

According to him, many Nigerians have become increasingly dissatisfied with the current state of governance, particularly in the areas of security, agriculture, education, healthcare, and infrastructure development.

The aspirant also used the opportunity to commend former Sokoto State Governor and Senator representing Sokoto South,
Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, for withdrawing from the senatorial race in his favour. He described the decision as an act of rare statesmanship that had 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 demonstrated maturity, sacrifice, and leadership,” Yabo said.

He further noted that replacing Tambuwal politically remains a difficult task due to the former governor’s extensive political experience and long-standing contributions to Sokoto State and Nigeria’s democratic evolution.

Yabo recalled Tambuwal’s political journey from the House of Representatives, where he represented Tambuwal/Kebbe Federal Constituency from 2003, to his tenure as Speaker of the House of Representatives between 2011 and 2015, before serving two terms as Governor of Sokoto State and later emerging as a Senator.

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

Speaking on his own political trajectory, Yabo explained that his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party to the APC in 2023 was driven by ideology and vision rather than personal ambition.

He insisted that he and his associates joined the PDP at a time when key positions within the party had already been occupied, stressing that they intented to contribute meaningfully rather than displace existing leadership.

“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.

Yabo argued that despite electoral setbacks in previous cycles, the PDP still retains strong grassroots support in parts of Sokoto State due to public confidence in its structures and messaging.

He also delivered a strong criticism of the APC-led administration at the national level, accusing it of failing to address Nigeria’s pressing socio-economic and security challenges.

“Security has deteriorated, agricultural gains have been reversed, infrastructure is struggling, education is in distress, and public healthcare is in serious difficulty,” he alleged.

Yabo said the emergence of a broader opposition coalition under the African Democratic Congress was a response to growing fears of democratic backsliding and alleged concentration of political power by the APC.

He maintained that political actors and patriots across the country were already mobilising to strengthen opposition unity and defend Nigeria’s multiparty democracy.

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

He also raised concerns over what he described as deliberate attempts to weaken opposition parties through internal destabilisation and external interference, warning that such trends could threaten democratic stability if left unchecked.

“In every democracy, political parties should function based on their constitutions and internal structures. What we are seeing—deliberate destabilisation of opposition parties—is dangerous for democracy,” he warned.

Yabo further cautioned that sustained weakening of opposition voices could push Nigeria toward authoritarian tendencies if democratic institutions and citizens fail to act.

He urged Nigerians to remain vigilant ahead of the 2027 elections, stressing that the survival of democracy depends on credible elections, strong institutions, and the freedom of citizens to choose their leaders without coercion or manipulation.

The remarks come amid increasing political realignments and coalition discussions among opposition figures as preparations intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections across Nigeria and in key states such as Sokoto State.