Bafarawa Warns Tinubu Against Suppressing Opposition

Former Sokoto State Governor, Alhaji Attahiru Dalhatu Bafarawa, has cautioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu against suppressing opposition parties, warning that such actions could undermine Nigeria’s democracy.

In an open letter to the president, Bafarawa reminded Tinubu of how opposition politics played a crucial role in his rise to power, urging him to uphold Nigeria’s multi-party democracy.

Bafarawa, who governed Sokoto State from 1999 to 2007, emphasized his deep-rooted commitment to democracy. He pointed out that past administrations allowed opposition parties to thrive, which eventually led to the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC)—the party that brought Tinubu to power.

“You are, as a matter of fact, a product of opposition politics. You will therefore be making a grave mistake if you allow yourself to be carried away by the temporary power at your disposal by not giving the opposition a breathing space,” Bafarawa warned.

He further stated that any adviser suggesting the suppression of opposition parties is misleading the president and could damage his reputation as a democrat.

Beyond politics, Bafarawa raised alarms over Nigeria’s worsening economic situation, stating that nearly two years into Tinubu’s presidency, Nigerians are suffering more than ever.

“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 wrote.

Although Tinubu inherited a struggling economy from his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari, Bafarawa insisted that the president has a "historical responsibility" to fulfill his campaign promises and improve Nigerians’ lives.

Bafarawa urged Tinubu to take lessons from the United States, where two dominant parties ensure a stable democracy. He warned that silencing opposition voices could lead to national instability.

“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. Rather, sustenance of a democratic order is the easiest route to move a country forward,” he wrote.

He concluded by reminding Tinubu that he would not have become president if previous governments had repressed opposition politics.

“Remember, if those who came before you killed the opposition, there would have been no vehicle for you to get to your present political destination,” Bafarawa added.