In a scathing critique, former Minister of Youth and Sports Solomon Dalung described President Bola Tinubu’s two-year administration as the worst period of governance in Nigeria’s history.
He highlighted a collapse in transparency, accountability, and justice, asserting that good governance has been virtually nonexistent under Tinubu, who he claims has scored less than 10% in these critical areas. Dalung also accused the government of trampling on the rule of law, citing the controversial declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State as a major breach of constitutional procedures.
Dalung lamented the worsening poverty and economic hardship in Nigeria, despite increased revenue from subsidy removal. He argued that the Tinubu administration has “weaponized poverty” and failed to implement meaningful poverty reduction strategies, leading to mass hunger and hardship worse than during the civil war. He further criticized the government for exclusive and nepotistic appointments, accusing it of promoting “kakistocracy” and deepening national division by marginalizing minority groups and favoring associates and family members.
On the issue of corruption, Dalung claimed the Tinubu government encourages rather than fights corruption, referencing the case of Betta Edu and lavish spending by the president’s family. He believes this administration is corruption-friendly and unaccountable, contradicting its call for citizens to make sacrifices. Dalung expressed doubt about Tinubu’s chances in the 2027 election, predicting mass rejection from the poor and warning that only manipulation could secure him re-election, which could trigger a national crisis.
He dismissed the recent wave of defections to the APC as politically meaningless, driven by fear of prosecution and personal gain rather than public interest. Dalung predicted further implosions within the APC due to internal power struggles and anticipated that defectors would eventually leave again. He confirmed his involvement in an emerging opposition coalition, suggesting a strong challenge to the ruling party in 2027.
