Solomon Dalung, ex-Minister of Youth and Sports Development under Muhammadu Buhari’s Presidency, declares that Nigerians, rather than any political party, will be the key force in defeating President Bola Tinubu and All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 General Elections.
Dalung, reflecting on the current Nigeria’s political climate, stated that the opposition to Bola Tinubu’s Administration had begun over two years ago, having similarities with the political storm of 2015 that swept away former President Goodluck Jonathan and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
In a post he copied from his Facebook Page and sent to BusinessDay on Sunday in Jos, Plateau State via Whatsapp, Dalung noted that while the opposition in 2015 was united and gained popular support under a year, the current dissatisfaction with Tinubu’s Government had been brewing for a longer time.
“The opposition against Tinubu started about two years ago, but the scenario in 2015 was less than a year, and it resulted in a political Tsunami. If it enveloped in less than two years of Tinubu’s tenure, it cannot be different in terms of how early it is, and it is evident from how dissatisfied citizens are with this political arrangement as a Government.
“So, I don’t think we should look at this in terms of the consensus of political parties. Let me make it clear and put it on record that Tinubu is not going to be defeated by a political party. He is going to be defeated by Nigerians*; Dalung predicted.
He emphasised that despite the early rise of opposition, the situation today reflects a deeper, more ingrained frustration from Nigerians due to issues like hunger, poverty, unemployment, and insecurity, attributing it directly to poor political leadership.
Dalung explained that the political parties and their leaders, who often function as “political companies” focused on winning elections by purchasing votes, are misjudging the situation.
He pointed out that these parties and their “political contractors” who have invested in securing political power for personal gain are operating under the misconception that they can defeat Tinubu merely through party affiliation or through traditional means.
The key to Tinubu’s potential downfall, Dalung argued, lies in the collective anger of Nigerians, who have been “tutored” by years of suffering. He suggested that citizens woukd rise above the conventional party lines to confront the Government, using any platform that would bring change.
“What will happen in 2027 is that the political parties, which are political companies now, and the political contractors who invest their money in buying people and votes, and want to recoup their money, will be operating on that misconception, forgetting that Nigerians have already been tutored by hunger, poverty, unemployment, insecurity as a result of the wickedness of political leadership”.
“So, Nigerians will defeat these political parties using any political platform. That is what will play out in 2027”, he said.
He further stressed that the growing dissatisfaction among the Nigerian populace transcends party politics.
According to Dalung, the impact of Tinubu’s governance is already visible in the struggles faced by ordinary Nigerians, and this will play a major role in the political dynamics leading to 2027.
He also indicated that Nigerians had learnt from their past experiences of broken promises and failed leadership, and would no longer be swayed by political rhetoric or promises that failed to materialise
Dalung’s prediction marks a significant departure from conventional political strategies where unity within the opposition ranks is often seen as the deciding factor in elections. His viewpoint suggests a larger, more grassroots movement driven by the people’s desire for change, rather than the traditional structures of party politics.
The former Minister’s comments comes at a time when Country is facing economic challenges, including rising inflation and widespread unemployment. These issues, Dalung argues, would fuel the discontent that would ultimately lead to a rejection of the current administration.
He believes that the political parties, with their financial backing and power-hungry motives, will fail to rrealise the true nature of the opposition they are up against.
He predicts that Nigerians will be the ultimate force in determining ththCountry’s leadership, urging them to reject leaders who have failed to address the critical issues affecting the population.
