Tinubu Has Weaponised Hunger, Says Ex-Minister Solomon Dalung

Former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Solomon Dalung, has launched a scathing critique of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, accusing the president of plunging Nigerians into “excruciating pain” through poorly conceived economic reforms and disregard for the plight of ordinary citizens.

In a no-holds-barred interview with Daily Post, Dalung said Tinubu’s removal of fuel subsidy and the floatation of the naira—without adequate mitigation strategies—have triggered widespread hunger, insecurity, and economic hardship.

“From day one, Tinubu signaled that he lacked a basic understanding of Nigeria’s complex situation. His ‘subsidy is gone’ statement wasn’t policy—it was recklessness. He ambushed Nigerians,” Dalung said.

The former minister, who served under the Muhammadu Buhari administration, warned that no amount of political endorsements or high-profile defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) would save Tinubu from defeat in the 2027 presidential election.

“He has drawn the battle line with the masses. No propaganda or elite endorsement can change that. Nigerians are starving, and his family continues to live lavishly,” Dalung declared.

Defections Won’t Save Tinubu

Dalung dismissed the recent wave of defections by state governors and lawmakers from opposition parties to the APC as opportunistic and irrelevant to Nigeria’s broader political landscape. He described the defectors as “political sinners” seeking refuge from accountability.

“This is not about support for Tinubu. It’s a conclave of people seeking forgiveness, not out of conviction but self-preservation. These defections are a political caricature,” he said.

Referencing Delta and Akwa Ibom, where governors and lawmakers recently joined the APC, Dalung insisted the defections do not reflect popular sentiment on the ground.

“The people have not defected. The masses remain angry, and even in the defectors’ communities, there’s backlash. The real defection will happen in 2027—at the ballot box,” he noted.

Tinubu Has Declared War on the Poor

Dalung accused Tinubu of turning the poor into political enemies by “weaponising hunger, poverty, and hardship.” He claimed that while Nigerians are asked to sacrifice, the president’s family lives in extravagance.

“Even if all 36 governors join APC and Seyi Tinubu becomes INEC Chairman, the masses will resist. Tinubu has picked a fight with those who have nothing to lose,” he warned.

Coalition Talks and 2027 Prospects

Reacting to the ongoing coalition talks involving politicians like Atiku Abubakar and Nasir El-Rufai, Dalung described the initiative as unique and powerful because it is emerging amidst severe economic suffering.

“This coalition is different. It has grassroots momentum. The poor see it as a beacon of hope. They don’t care who leads it—they just want Tinubu out,” he said.

He likened the political coalition to the alliance between Pontius Pilate and Herod, saying, “They’re not natural allies, but united by the need to end Tinubu’s reign.”

Prince Adewole Adebayo Still a Force in SDP

On the speculation that El-Rufai’s rumoured entrance into the Social Democratic Party (SDP) might sideline Prince Adewole Adebayo’s presidential ambition, Dalung dismissed the fears. He hailed Adebayo as the party’s “most consistent voice” and a formidable force in 2027.

“Since Abiola, no one has championed the SDP like Adebayo. Whether or not he emerges as the flagbearer, his influence is undeniable,” Dalung said, adding that Adebayo’s political advocacy has kept the party relevant.

Shadow Government a Threat Only to Failed Leadership

Dalung also defended Professor Pat Utomi’s proposed shadow government, saying it was meant to provide credible policy alternatives, not challenge the legitimacy of the state.

“We did the same during Buhari’s time. It’s not treason; it’s patriotism. Only a failing government sees alternative ideas as a threat,” he argued.

He mocked the administration for celebrating “propaganda projects” like the recently commissioned 26.7km Calabar Coastal Highway, which he called a “caricature of governance,” alleging it was awarded without consultation and funded upfront to cronies.

“National Assembly Has Become a Choir”

Taking aim at the 10th National Assembly, Dalung rejected the notion that it’s merely a rubber stamp of the executive, instead describing it as “a band of Emi Lokan choristers.”

“They don’t even pretend anymore. I fear they may one day amend the Constitution to declare Tinubu life president—just with a voice vote and Akpabio’s gavel,” he said sarcastically.

Dalung concluded by warning that Nigeria is nearing a breaking point, and only urgent, people-centered leadership—backed by grassroots momentum—can steer the country away from deeper political and economic collapse.