A former governor of Sokoto State, Attahiru Dalhatu Bafarawa, has expressed deep concern over the deteriorating state of Nigerian politics, lamenting that the focus of politicians today is on securing positions rather than working for the welfare of the masses.
In an interview with BBC Hausa on Sunday, Bafarawa said genuine opposition politics has collapsed, as many politicians who once criticized the ruling party have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) for selfish reasons.
“There is no real opposition anymore. Everyone in the opposition is only concerned about personal gain. Once they get what they want, the idea of opposition disappears, and the masses are left to fend for themselves,” he stated.
Bafarawa, who resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on January 13, 2025, argued that Nigerian politicians have lost all genuine concern for ordinary citizens.
“Today’s so-called opposition is every man for himself. They ask themselves: ‘What can I gain?’ If one door closes to them, they shamelessly find another way without fear or shame,” he said.
Reflecting on his 48 years in politics, Bafarawa contrasted the present situation with the past, emphasizing that politics used to be about fighting for improved living standards, including better access to education, water, and healthcare.
He further described Nigeria’s current political atmosphere as confused and self-serving, with both political aspirants and the masses disoriented.
“Because of this, there is confusion both for the seekers and those being sought after. The seekers are blinded; they have no faith or compassion. Their only goal is to secure positions. Meanwhile, the masses are blinded by hunger, poverty, and ignorance, so everything is in disarray,” Bafarawa lamented.
He also expressed alarm over the high rates of illiteracy among youths, particularly in Northern Nigeria, warning that the region’s future is in jeopardy.
“Whenever you defeat a people with ignorance by denying them education, you have finished them. Here in the North, honestly, about 70% of our youth have no education. How can a country or region develop without education?” he questioned.
Addressing the issue of voter inducement, Bafarawa defended impoverished citizens who accept money during elections, arguing that harsh economic conditions leave them with little choice.
“If you blame the poor masses for accepting money on election day to vote, it’s not entirely their fault. They have been impoverished; they have no jobs, no means of livelihood. What else are they supposed to do?” he said.
Bafarawa concluded by stating that only divine intervention can rescue Nigeria from its current political, economic, and social challenges.
