Solomon Dalung, former Minister of Youth and Sports under the Buhari administration, has shed light on the shadowy influence of cabals in Nigerian politics, claiming a powerful, unelected group seized control of the government shortly after President Buhari’s 2015 electoral victory. Dalung defines a cabal as a collection of ambitious individuals appointed by the president, ostensibly to assist in governance, who instead manipulate the presidency for their own personal gain. He recounts a telling incident on the very day of Buhari’s victory announcement, where he, despite having been a close associate of the president, was inexplicably blocked from accessing Buhari’s residence, a place he had frequented freely just the night before. This sudden shift in access, Dalung believes, marked the cabal’s ascension to power. He lamented that those who had genuinely labored for Buhari’s victory, himself included, were caught up in the euphoria of the win, leaving the president vulnerable to this power grab. This allowed the cabal, according to Dalung, to effectively run the government for their own interests throughout Buhari’s eight-year tenure.
Dalung contends that while the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) remains the same party he helped establish, its internal dynamics have evolved into a more intricate and complex structure, which he likened to a “zoo.” He dismissed claims that the Buhari government was controlled by a Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) cabal, arguing that prominent CPC figures like Tanko Al-Makura were conspicuously absent from positions of real influence. Instead, Dalung alleges, the government was hijacked by individuals who were not seasoned politicians but acted like “bandits laying an ambush,” seizing control in the immediate aftermath of Buhari’s victory. This group, he claims, consolidated their power and amassed significant wealth during their eight years of influence.
Dalung’s accusations paint a picture of a government operating under the shadow of an unelected, self-serving group. He asserts that these individuals, not the elected officials or established political figures, were the true power brokers within the Buhari administration. Their modus operandi, as Dalung describes, involved swiftly seizing control in the transition period, capitalizing on the celebratory atmosphere and the inattention of those who had campaigned for Buhari. This allowed them to operate unchecked, directing government policy and resources towards their own enrichment and consolidation of power. Dalung’s portrayal suggests a systematic sidelining of legitimate political actors and a distortion of the democratic process.
The former minister’s claims extend beyond mere accusations of influence peddling; he alleges this cabal accumulated vast wealth during their reign, further solidifying their grip on power. This accumulation of wealth, Dalung implies, was not a consequence of legitimate business dealings or investments but rather a direct result of their exploitation of government resources and their privileged access to decision-making processes. His characterization of them as “bandits” underscores his belief that their actions were not only unethical but potentially criminal, driven by self-enrichment at the expense of the Nigerian people. This raises serious questions about the transparency and accountability of the Buhari administration, and the potential for corruption within the highest levels of government.
Despite the gravity of his allegations, Dalung expresses no fear of potential repercussions. He attributes his fearlessness to a long history of activism and his survival of multiple assassination attempts, recounting harrowing incidents including being sprayed with bullets from AK-47s and having his food poisoned. He views these experiences as testament to his resilience and his divinely ordained purpose. His unwavering conviction and apparent disregard for personal safety underscore the seriousness with which he views these allegations and his determination to bring them to light. This fearless stance suggests a deep-seated belief in the importance of exposing the truth, even in the face of potential danger.
Dalung’s narrative offers a disturbing glimpse into the potential underbelly of Nigerian politics, where unelected individuals can allegedly amass significant power and wealth through manipulation and exploitation. His accusations, if true, raise profound questions about the integrity of democratic processes and the accountability of those entrusted with public office. His outspokenness, despite the potential risks, highlights the urgent need for greater transparency and oversight within the Nigerian government to ensure that power is exercised legitimately and for the benefit of the people, not for the enrichment of a select few. His call for scrutiny and accountability serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of democratic institutions and the constant vigilance required to safeguard them.
