A leading opposition figure in Sokoto State, Amb. 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 “one-party dominance” across the country.

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

He attributed the growing public support for his candidacy to what he called the people’s desire for credible leadership, inclusive governance, and a clear political vision for Sokoto State.

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

Yabo also publicly commended former Sokoto State Governor and Senator representing Sokoto South, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, for withdrawing from the race in his favour.

He described the decision as an act of rare 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 politically would remain a difficult task because of the former governor’s extensive experience and contributions to both Sokoto State and Nigeria.

He recalled Tambuwal’s political journey from the House of Representatives, where he represented Tambuwal/Kebbe Federal Constituency beginning in 2003, to becoming 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,” Yabo stated.

Speaking on his own political trajectory, the senatorial hopeful explained that his movement 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 political associates joined the PDP at a time when key positions within the party had already been occupied, stressing that their intention was not to displace established party members but to contribute meaningfully to governance and development.

“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 further argued that despite the PDP losing at certain levels during the last election cycle, the party maintained strong support in parts of Sokoto State due to the confidence reposed in it by the people.

Yabo also criticised the APC-led administration at the national level, accusing it of failing to address the country’s pressing socio-economic 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) was a response to growing fears over democratic backsliding and the alleged concentration of political power by the APC.

He maintained that prominent political leaders and patriots across the country had begun mobilising 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 what he described as 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— infiltration and deliberate destabilisation of opposition parties— 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.

“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,” he stressed.

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.