From Bashir Rabe Mani, Sokoto
Former Nigerian Ambassador to Jordan, Faruk Malami Yabo, has said democracy can only thrive when political parties are allowed to operate independently and compete freely without interference or intimidation.
Yabo stated this in Sokoto on Friday while addressing journalists following his affirmation as the candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the Sokoto South Senatorial District.
The former envoy expressed concern over what he described as deliberate attempts to weaken opposition parties through internal destabilisation 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.
Yabo, who also served as Commissioner for Finance and Local Governments in Sokoto State, warned against efforts to suppress opposition voices, cautioning that such actions could push Nigeria towards 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,” he stated.
The ADC candidate attributed the growing public support for his candidature to the people’s desire for credible leadership, inclusive governance, and a clear political vision for Sokoto State.
Yabo also commended former Sokoto State Governor and Senator representing Sokoto South Senatorial District, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, for withdrawing from the race in his favour.
He described Tambuwal’s decision as an act of statesmanship that strengthened unity within the opposition movement and attracted national attention.
“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.
According to him, replacing Tambuwal politically would remain a difficult task because of the former governor’s vast political experience and contributions to Sokoto State and Nigeria.
Yabo recalled Tambuwal’s political career, which began in 2003 when he represented Tambuwal/Kebbe Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives. He noted that Tambuwal later served as Speaker of the House of Representatives between 2011 and 2015, before becoming Governor of Sokoto State for two terms and subsequently a senator.
“Tambuwal’s political influence and achievements have continued to shape politics in Sokoto State and beyond,” he added.
Speaking on his political journey, Yabo explained that his movement from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2023 was driven by ideology and vision rather than personal ambition.
He said he and his associates joined the PDP at a time when major positions within the party had already been occupied, stressing that their intention was to contribute meaningfully to governance and development rather than displace existing 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 said.
Yabo further maintained that despite electoral losses in some areas during the last election cycle, the PDP retained significant support in parts of Sokoto State due to the confidence reposed in the party by the people.
He added that the emergence of a broad opposition coalition under the ADC was a response to growing concerns over democratic backsliding and the alleged concentration of political power by the APC.
