Former Minister Solomon Dalung Speaks On Political Shifts In Nigeria

Ex-Minister Solomon Dalung Weighs In on the Political Landscape

Anderson Cooper here, and let’s talk about something that’s been buzzing around the political arena in Nigeria. Solomon Dalung, the former Minister of Sports and Youth Development under the administration of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, has spoken out on reports suggesting a wave of defections to the Social Democratic Party (SDP). With the 2027 elections just around the corner, the political chessboard is getting crowded, and Dalung’s insights are worth a closer look.

Now, there’s been chatter that about 10 former ministers from the Buhari era are allegedly lining up to join the SDP. But when we caught up with Dalung, he had a fascinating take on this. He revealed that since Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, made the move to the SDP, the phone lines have been ablaze. Dalung said, “Since El-Rufai joined the SDP, I’ve been getting upwards of 100 calls every single day. It’s not just from everyday citizens; it’s from prominent figures across the country who are seriously considering making the switch.”

Naija News caught up with Dalung, who added that while the reports about ministers joining the SDP might be part of ongoing political negotiations, they underscore the growing momentum within the party. He elaborated, “Sure, the information about these ministers might be part of the negotiations happening between the SDP and other political leaders. But it’s clear that the party is gaining traction and drawing attention from all corners.”

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The SDP's Historical Legacy

Dalung took a moment to reflect on his decision to join the SDP in 2022. He shared some deep thoughts about the party’s historical significance, particularly its role in uniting Nigerians during the early 1990s. In his own words, “Before I officially joined the SDP in 2022, I spent a lot of time reflecting on the party’s legacy. It’s the only political party that truly united Nigerians between 1991 and 1993. It was the party that won what many consider the clearest and fairest election ever conducted in Nigeria.”

Dalung highlighted the SDP’s pivotal role in the 1993 presidential election, where the late MKO Abiola emerged victorious—a victory that was tragically annulled. He emphasized that while the Nigerian state has acknowledged Abiola’s triumph by recognizing him, the same courtesy hasn’t been extended to the party that carried his banner.

Restoring Justice to the SDP

Dalung passionately argued that the government owes the SDP an apology and the return of its assets. He stated, “The government took over the party, its assets, and all the electoral processes. If we’re serious about healing the wounds of the past and fostering reconciliation, the government needs to step up. They must apologize, declare what was taken from the party, and return those assets to their rightful owners.”

He also called for a posthumous inauguration of MKO Abiola, insisting that the government should officially declare him the winner of the June 12, 1993, presidential election. Dalung explained, “The person who annulled the election has admitted that Abiola won. So, we need an official declaration recognizing him as the winner. And if that’s not possible, at the very least, Abiola’s name should be added to the list of Nigerian presidents, with all the benefits extended to his family as a form of reparation for the grave injustice done to him.”

As the political landscape in Nigeria continues to evolve, Dalung’s reflections serve as a reminder of the importance of recognizing and honoring the past while shaping a brighter future. Keep an eye on the SDP and the movements of key political figures as the stage is set for the 2027 elections.