Nigeria’s Democracy Under Threat” Sokoto Opposition Figure Warns Against APC One-Party Dominance

Former diplomat and Sokoto opposition figure Ambassador Faruk Malami Yabo has warned that Nigeria’s democracy is under threat, accusing the APC of pursuing one-party dominance through political infiltration and the weakening of opposition parties ahead of the 2027 elections.

by folarin aluko

A prominent opposition figure in Sokoto State, Ambassador Faruk Malami Yabo, has raised concerns over what he described as growing threats to Nigeria’s democratic system, accusing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of attempting to establish one-party dominance across the country.

The former diplomat made the remarks while addressing journalists and political supporters shortly after securing his party’s senatorial ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to Yabo, recent political developments across Nigeria suggest increasing pressure on opposition parties through political infiltration, weakening of internal party structures and what he described as attempts to silence alternative political voices.

He warned that democracy thrives only when there is healthy political competition, accountability and strong opposition participation. “Nigeria’s democracy is under serious threat if one political party dominates every level of governance without strong opposition,” Yabo reportedly stated.

The opposition figure expressed concern that continued concentration of political power within a single party could weaken democratic institutions and reduce citizens’ confidence in the electoral process.

He argued that opposition parties play a crucial role in checking government excesses, promoting transparency and ensuring that public officials remain accountable to the people.
According to him, efforts to destabilise or weaken opposition platforms could gradually erode democratic values and create political imbalance within the country.

Yabo also alleged that the APC has increasingly expanded its influence through strategic political alignments, defections and pressure on rival parties in several states.
Although he did not provide specific evidence for some of the allegations, he insisted that Nigerians must remain vigilant in protecting democratic principles ahead of future elections.

The former diplomat further called on citizens, civil society groups and democratic institutions to defend political pluralism and ensure that all parties are allowed to operate freely without intimidation or suppression.

His comments come at a time when political realignments, defections and internal crises within opposition parties continue to reshape Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.

In recent months, several politicians across different parties have either defected to the APC or entered strategic alliances with the ruling party, fueling debates about the future strength of opposition politics in Nigeria.

Political observers say concerns over one-party dominance have become more pronounced as the APC continues to consolidate influence across key regions and political structures nationwide.

However, supporters of the ruling party argue that defections into the APC are largely driven by political confidence in the party’s leadership and governance agenda rather than deliberate suppression of opposition voices.

Yabo, who recently received endorsements from stakeholders within his senatorial district, pledged to continue mobilising support for democratic participation and inclusive governance ahead of the next election cycle.

He stressed that Nigeria’s democracy can only remain strong when citizens are presented with genuine political alternatives and elections remain competitive, transparent and credible.

The remarks add to growing national conversations about political balance, institutional independence and the evolving nature of Nigeria’s multi-party system as preparations for 2027 gradually intensify.

As political activities continue to gather momentum nationwide, analysts believe debates around party dominance, electoral fairness and democratic accountability are likely to remain central issues in the build-up to the next general elections.