Solomon Dalung, a former minister of youth and sports, has called President Bola Tinubu a “dwarf” in Nigerian politics and maintained that he shouldn’t be considered one of the nation’s greatest leaders.
Speaking as a guest on Channels Television on Sunday, Dalung was asked if Tinubu, who is frequently referred to as a political heavyweight and a master strategist, could lose the 2027 presidential race.
He contends that legacy and devotion to the people, not political scheming, are the genuine tests of political greatness.
According to Dalung, Tinubu is a minor figure in Nigerian political history and shouldn’t be compared to notable leaders like Sardauna and Awolowo.
He maintained that better governance results, especially in the fields of security and the economy, should reflect the president’s reputation if he were a true strategic leader.
“Because outstanding leaders create lasting effects.” The people were served by them. They were employed by the people. “Let’s see this translated into action if he is a great strategist as is being speculated,” he continued.
Dalung stated that Nigerians have yet to witness noticeable progress in resolving the nation’s economic and security issues, and that the president has not been able to duplicate his accomplishments as governor of Lagos State at the national level.
He claimed that Tinubu was unable to oversee the economy, insecurity, and even a common palliative that was implemented to support some of his economic initiatives.
The former minister also charged that the administration was in charge of growing corruption and deteriorating economic conditions.
“His tactics should be demonstrated by his performances rather than by someone who is constantly failing. Corruption is thriving, while the economy is in ruins. Where did this brilliant tactician contribute to the betterment of Nigerians? Dalung enquired.
Dalung stated that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is preparing to run against Tinubu and the ruling party in the 2027 presidential election.
He remarked, “I think we have a lot of people to challenge Tinubu.”
Prior to the elections, he said, the opposition party had decided to guarantee a legitimate internal procedure.
“We have decided that whoever wins a transparent primary will be the one we all support to challenge Tinubu,” Dalung said. “We are going to conduct a transparent primary.”
In order to beat the incumbent in 2027, Dalung, who was minister from 2015 to 2019 under former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, stated that the opposition’s unity would be more important than any one candidate’s popularity.
