Former Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung, has lashed out at President Bola Tinubu, accusing him of deliberately weaponising hunger and hardship against ordinary Nigerians.
Naijaonpoint reports that Dalung warned that recent political defections into the All Progressives Congress (APC) should not be mistaken for a surge in Tinubu’s popularity.
In an interview with Vanguard, Dalung criticised what he described as “political opportunism disguised as support.” He cited the defection of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to the APC, arguing that such moves lack public backing.
“The person who defected is the governor, whose mandate was very controversial. Would the people follow him?” Dalung queried.
He described the APC as a “conclave of sinners,” claiming that many politicians who joined the party did so in search of immunity and protection from accountability.
“They are not defecting because they believe in Tinubu. It is about escaping justice,” he said.
Dalung launched a scathing attack on the President’s economic policies, accusing Tinubu of creating an unprecedented divide between the presidency and the masses.
“Tinubu is the only president who has drawn a battle line between himself and the masses by weaponising hunger, poverty and hardship,” Dalung declared.
He criticised the President for asking Nigerians to make sacrifices while allegedly living lavishly with his family.
Dalung further stated, “He keeps asking Nigerians to tighten their belts for good days ahead, yet he, his wife, and his son continue to spend lavishly. When will they sacrifice?”
He also voiced concerns over the state of Nigeria’s democracy, warning that some lawmakers could go as far as attempting to declare Tinubu a life president if left unchecked.
“There are some reckless lawmakers who may one day try to make Tinubu life president. We must guard our democracy,” he cautioned.
Commenting on the new political coalition reportedly being formed by Atiku Abubakar, Nasir El-Rufai, and others ahead of the 2027 general elections, Dalung said the movement reflects widespread frustration.
He said, “This coalition is different from all attempted coalitions since the First Republic.
“The president has declared himself the enemy of the poor, and the poor are dying every day of hunger, poverty, and malnutrition.”
According to him, the coalition may comprise unlikely allies, but they are united in purpose.
“They are all enemies of themselves; they are all enemies of Jesus. But for the purpose of crucifying Jesus, they became friends. That is how I see the coalition,” Dalung said.