Former Governor of Sokoto State, Alhaji Attahiru Dalhatu Bafarawa, has once again raised the alarm over the deteriorating state of Nigerian politics, accusing politicians across the divide of fighting solely for personal positions rather than the welfare of the people. Speaking during an exclusive interview with BBC Hausa, Bafarawa delivered a scathing critique of the country’s political class, warning that the absence of genuine concern for the masses is dragging Nigeria deeper into crisis.
Bafarawa lamented what he described as the "total collapse of real opposition politics" in Nigeria, observing that most defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) are motivated by selfish ambition rather than ideological conviction. He painted a bleak picture of a political environment where survival and personal advancement trump service, integrity, and national interest.
"The political atmosphere is confused and self-serving," Bafarawa stated, noting that the hunger for power has blinded many politicians to the suffering of ordinary Nigerians. He observed that the majority of political figures today lack any clear vision beyond their quest for positions, leaving the masses stranded in an ever-deepening cycle of poverty and despair.
He further warned of the alarming rise of illiteracy across the country, particularly in Northern Nigeria, describing it as a ticking time bomb that could destroy the nation’s future if left unchecked. Bafarawa stressed that the combination of poverty, ignorance, and failed leadership has weakened the citizenry, making them easy prey for manipulation.
"We are sitting on a keg of gunpowder," Bafarawa cautioned, adding that Nigeria’s salvation now lies only in divine intervention. He emphasized that without urgent and sincere action to reform the political system and invest heavily in education and economic empowerment, the future remains grim.
Known for his forthrightness, Bafarawa’s latest comments have once again ignited debate about the direction of the country’s democracy, the authenticity of political actors, and the urgent need for a new generation of leaders committed to national development over personal gain.