Dalung, who described himself as a revolutionary rather than a conventional politician, argued that one of the biggest mistakes any leader can make is to abandon the principles that earned them public trust.
The Former Minister of Sports Development and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Solomon Dalung, warned that President Bola Tinubu faces significant political and legal hurdles ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Speaking on current national issues, Dalung noted that many Nigerians had high expectations that President Tinubu would replicate the developmental “Lagos magic” he achieved as Governor of Lagos State at the national level. However, he observed that those expectations appear unmet, a situation he believes could hurt Tinubu’s re-election prospects in 2027.
The former minister also highlighted potential legal challenges over the President’s qualifications, recalling that similar issues were litigated up to the Supreme Court after the 2023 election. He disclosed that fresh petitions have already been submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), predicting the matter could return to the courts before the next general polls.
Dalung suggested that in the event of severe political or legal crises, a sitting president could invoke constitutional provisions, such as declaring a state of emergency, to extend his stay in office with the backing of the National Assembly.
On the opposition, Dalung questioned the commitment of some leading figures to genuine revolutionary change. He specifically referenced former Kano State Governor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, saying:
“Kwankwaso has a very big house here in Abuja; they have properties and you say they want to do a revolution. No.”
He argued that true revolutionaries make heavy sacrifices, while many politicians merely reap the benefits of activism. Dalung expressed doubts about whether prominent opposition leaders are genuinely prepared to lead mass protests or endure the personal costs of real systemic change.