Former Sokoto State Governor Alhaji Attahiru Bafarawa has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to uphold democratic principles by allowing opposition politics to thrive in Nigeria.
In an open letter addressed to the President, Bafarawa warned that suppressing political opposition could be detrimental to both Tinubu’s democratic legacy and the nation’s political stability.
Bafarawa, who traced his long-standing political journey alongside Tinubu, reminded the President that he rose to power through a system that allowed opposition parties to flourish.
He highlighted that past administrations did not hinder the formation of political parties, which ultimately led to the emergence of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the platform through which Tinubu ascended to the presidency.
“Your ascension to the foremost political position in the country was made possible because the opposition was allowed to thrive.
“Those who were there before you gave opposition politics a chance. You are, as a matter of fact, a product of opposition politics,” Bafarawa stated.
The former governor cautioned Tinubu against being swayed by individuals advocating for the suppression of dissenting voices.
He warned that any attempt to weaken the opposition could erode democratic values and push the country toward a one-party system, which he described as a “recipe for anarchy.”
Bafarawa also expressed concerns over Nigeria’s current economic and security challenges, noting that Tinubu inherited a struggling economy and worsening insecurity.
While acknowledging these challenges, he urged the President to fulfil his electoral promises and take decisive steps to address rising inflation, hunger, and widespread insecurity.
“The blight of insecurity which you promised to curtail is getting out of hand. The economic outlook is frightening.
“Inflation is galloping out of control. Hunger is ravaging the land. There are cries of anguish all over the country. This slide, Mr. President, must be urgently arrested without further delay,” he stressed.
The former governor advised Tinubu to emulate the United States’ two-party system, which has strengthened its democracy, rather than attempting to silence political opponents.
He emphasized that fostering a competitive political environment would be the greatest legacy Tinubu could leave behind.
“I therefore call on you, Mr. President, to shun the temptation of enthroning a one-party order in Nigeria.
“Nigeria can ill afford a one-party arrangement. It is a recipe for anarchy,” Bafarawa wrote.
He concluded his letter with a passionate appeal for Tinubu to preserve Nigeria’s democratic integrity and ensure that future generations benefit from a thriving political system.
