Solomon Dalung Slams APC Defections, Warns Tinubu of Looming Political Backlash

Former Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung, has delivered a scathing critique of the current political climate in Nigeria, accusing politicians defecting to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of doing so to escape prosecution. In an explosive interview, Dalung questioned the motivations behind widespread defections, assessed President Bola Tinubu’s performance in office, and examined the growing momentum for a united opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Defections to APC: A Conclave of the Guilty?

According to Dalung, the mass movement of politicians into the APC is not a show of faith in President Tinubu’s leadership, but a desperate act of political self-preservation. He likened the defections to a “conclave of sinners,” stating that many politicians see the ruling party as a sanctuary where their past actions—no matter how egregious—are absolved upon entry.

Dalung referenced former APC chairman Adams Oshiomhole’s famous remark, which suggested that even the most corrupt individuals would be forgiven once they joined the APC. “They are not joining because they believe in Tinubu. They are only assembling so their sins will be forgiven,” Dalung said, describing the ongoing endorsements and defections as politically hollow and devoid of real value.

Tinubu’s First Two Years: A Failing Scorecard

Dalung did not hold back when assessing President Tinubu’s two-year performance, stating that the administration has performed “far below expectations.” Drawing on Tinubu’s past as governor of Lagos, Dalung noted that Nigerians had high hopes based on his “Lagos miracle-maker” reputation. However, he argued that those expectations were quickly dashed.

He was particularly critical of the abrupt removal of fuel subsidies, which Tinubu announced on his first day in office without an operational cabinet or policy structure in place. “It was reckless,” Dalung declared. “If he was courageous, he would have subjected the policy to scrutiny and defended it publicly.” According to him, that decision triggered the cascade of economic hardship Nigerians are now facing.

He described the administration’s approach as one that has “weaponized hunger, poverty, and hardship,” and accused Tinubu and his inner circle of living lavishly while urging citizens to make sacrifices.

Tensions Flare At APC North-East Summit Over 2027 Tinubu Endorsement

Endorsements Are Politically Meaningless

Responding to recent endorsements of Tinubu’s 2027 candidacy by APC governors, National Assembly leaders, and other party stakeholders, Dalung dismissed them as “political caricature.” He emphasized that APC endorsements do not reflect the will of ordinary Nigerians, who are the ones enduring the brunt of economic hardship.

Dalung questioned the political significance of endorsements from party members, asking, “What is their percentage within the Nigerian political demography?” For him, the real endorsement would come from the masses, who he believes are growing increasingly disillusioned with the administration’s policies.

South-South and South-East Defections: Public Rejection Visible

Dalung also addressed the recent defections of governors and lawmakers from Delta and Akwa Ibom states to the APC, including Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and members of the state assemblies. He argued that these moves lack grassroots legitimacy and do not reflect the will of the people.

Using the example of Delta State, Dalung said the governor’s defection was widely rejected, especially by women in his home community. He reminded Nigerians of the historical role women played in the independence movement, such as the Aba Women’s Riot of 1929, to highlight the political weight of such a gesture. “The women of South-South have sent a very strong message: those defecting are on their own,” he declared.

In Akwa Ibom, Dalung noted that while the governor defected, many in his political circle—including his political godfather and several lawmakers—chose not to follow him. “This proves that the defection is not people-oriented but a personal decision for political cover,” he said.

 A Real Threat to Tinubu

Turning to the potential formation of a united opposition coalition, featuring figures like Atiku Abubakar, Nasir El-Rufai, and others, Dalung emphasized its uniqueness. Unlike past attempts, he argued, this coalition is being energized by mass dissatisfaction, not elite consensus. “This is different from all coalitions since the First Republic,” he said. “It’s being driven by the people who are tired of hunger, poverty, and government neglect.”

He compared the coalition to the alliance between Potiphar and Pontius Pilate—unlikely allies uniting for a common cause. While acknowledging that many of the coalition members are traditional rivals, Dalung said their unity is rooted in the shared goal of ending suffering and ousting a government that has “declared itself the enemy of the poor.”

If the coalition can sustain its momentum and put forward a strong candidate, Dalung predicted a fiercely competitive 2027 election. “Even if all 36 governors join APC and Seyi Tinubu becomes INEC Chairman, Tinubu will still slug it out with the masses,” he warned.

Solomon Dalung’s remarks provide a sobering assessment of Nigeria’s current political atmosphere. His sharp criticism of elite-driven politics, mass defections, and economic mismanagement underscores the growing divide between government and the governed. As Nigeria moves closer to another pivotal election cycle, the voices of dissent, especially from figures like Dalung, reflect a wider sentiment of urgency and unrest among everyday Nigerians.

For President Tinubu and the APC, the message is clear: endorsements may win headlines, but they won’t secure the hearts of a hungry and disillusioned electorate.