Alhaji Yabagi Sani, National Chairman of Nigeria’s Action Democratic Party (ADP), has urged political leaders to unite in defence of democracy, warning that the consequences of democratic failure would fall hardest on those in power.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Sunday, Sani, who previously led the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), said, “If democracy is undermined, everyone suffers—but political leaders will suffer most.”
Reflecting on his time at IPAC, Sani said its mission had been to promote national cohesion and deepen democratic governance.
He also addressed the rising insecurity across Nigeria, attributing part of the crisis to broader global dynamics, such as conflicts in the Middle East and North Africa. “These events have destabilising effects in Sub-Saharan Africa,” he observed, adding that strong domestic policies, disciplined leadership and tackling corruption could mitigate the fallout.
“Every nation has its share of problems, but what separates developed countries is their ability to keep such issues in check,” Sani noted. He criticised lapses within security institutions and argued that reform could help citizens feel more included in national progress.
Sani called for economic policies designed to directly benefit the public, suggesting that such measures would build trust and resilience within Nigeria’s democratic system.
On potential plans to contest the presidency in 2027, Sani said he would consider it only if convinced he could serve the nation effectively. “If the people see value in what you bring, they will support you,” he explained.
He concluded by advocating for a truly competitive political landscape, where opposition parties have a real chance to shape debates in parliament. “Democracy isn’t about everyone agreeing; it’s about diverse ideas competing in an open and fair space,” Sani said, warning that without institutional reforms, the cycle of fragile democracy would continue.
