A former governor of Sokoto State, Attahiru Dalhatu Bafarawa, has expressed deep concern over the current state of Nigerian politics, accusing politicians of prioritizing personal ambition over the welfare of the masses.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In an interview with BBC Hausa on Sunday, Bafarawa criticized the erosion of genuine opposition in the country, attributing it to self-centered defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). According to him, many opposition figures abandon their ideals once personal interests are secured.

“There is no true opposition left. What drives many today is personal benefit. Once they achieve their aims, the spirit of opposition vanishes, leaving ordinary citizens neglected,” he said.

Bafarawa, who resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on January 13, 2025, argued that politicians have lost genuine concern for the everyday Nigerian.

“Today’s opposition is all about self-interest. If one opportunity closes, they shamelessly seek another, with no regard for the public good,” he stated.

Reflecting on his 48 years in politics, Bafarawa lamented that the political landscape has become mired in confusion and selfishness. He stressed that the original purpose of politics — to improve lives through education, clean water, healthcare, and other necessities — has been abandoned.

He warned that both politicians and citizens are now trapped in a vicious cycle: leaders blinded by ambition, and the populace crippled by poverty, hunger, and ignorance.

Turning his attention to Northern Nigeria, Bafarawa voiced alarm over the high illiteracy rates among youths, declaring that about 70% of young people in the region lack formal education — a trend he says endangers the future.

“When you deny people education, you doom their future. Without education, there can be no meaningful development,” he said.

On the issue of electoral malpractice, Bafarawa defended impoverished voters who accept money in exchange for votes, arguing that systemic poverty leaves them with few alternatives.

“You cannot entirely blame the poor for selling their votes. They are desperate, unemployed, and struggling to survive,” he emphasized.

Bafarawa concluded by stating that only divine intervention could rescue Nigeria from its current political and social crises.