Rita Odafe
Solomon Dalung
Dalung’s Claims on Buhari’s Presidency
Former Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung, recently stated that a cabal took control of President Muhammadu Buhari’s government shortly after his 2015 election victory.
During an appearance on the Mic On Podcast, Dalung defined a cabal as “a group of ambitious individuals, often appointed by the president, who end up manipulating the presidency for their own gain rather than for the public.”
He highlighted that soon after Buhari’s win, a powerful group appeared and marginalized the actual campaigners.
Restricted Access Signals Cabal Control
Dalung shared his experience of being denied access to Buhari after the election victory, indicating this as the moment when the cabal took over. He noted, “On the day Buhari was declared winner, I went to see him in the evening. To my surprise, I was blocked from entering his house — a house where, just a day earlier, I had stayed until 2 a.m.” He emphasized how difficult it was to gain access, suggesting that from that moment, the true influence of the cabal became evident.
Criticism of Buhari’s Supporters
He criticized the president’s supporters for celebrating prematurely, allowing those with a deeper understanding of power to take control of the administration. “These people, who understood power, took over and ran the government to their interest until eight years were gone,” Dalung remarked.
Rejection of CPC Cabal Theory
When inquired about the influence of a Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) cabal on Buhari’s administration, Dalung rejected the notion. He claimed that prominent CPC members, such as Tanko Al-Makura, were not part of the influential group manipulating the government. “The CPC did not succeed in having a cabal; instead, it was people who acted like bandits that took control right after Buhari’s victory,” he explained.
Wealth and Power Accumulation
Dalung asserted that those who seized power during Buhari’s presidency accumulated significant wealth and became powerful players in Nigerian politics. “Of course, they are very, very wealthy, and Nigerians should expect them. They are very powerful,” he added.
Concerns About Tinubu’s Administration
Regarding President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, Dalung noted that the political landscape within the All Progressives Congress (APC) has changed. He described the APC as a “sophisticated political machine” and humorously likened it to a “zoo,” emphasizing its increased complexity.
“It is the same APC we formed, but it has now evolved into something more sophisticated. The party has become a complex political architecture,” he said.
Dalung’s Fearlessness in Light of Threats
Despite his strong assertions, Dalung expressed his lack of fear regarding potential repercussions. He shared that he has survived numerous assassination attempts, recounting a moment when gunmen fired at his car with AK-47s. “I’ve survived more than 10 assassination attempts. There was a time five people carrying AK-47s sprayed my car, and yet I am still alive,” he stated.
Dalung also narrated past attempts on his life, including poisoning and armed ambushes. “I am not afraid of death. My mother confirmed to me that I will not leave this planet until the day ordained by God,” he concluded.
