Former Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung, has described the cabals surrounding President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as more dangerous than those in former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
Speaking on Tuesday, Dalung, who served under Buhari, claimed that while Buhari’s government was influenced by a clique with limited knowledge and experience, Tinubu’s cabals are far more educated, ambitious, and skilled in power dynamics.
Dalung explained that during Buhari’s tenure, the cabals operated with a narrow understanding of governance, often prioritizing personal gain over national interests.
“Of course, President Muhammadu Buhari’s government had cabals. That is known and that I have attested to. But I am saying that President Muhammadu Buhari’s cabals were made up of people who were not quite informed, with little experience in politics, public administration, and governance,” Dalung said.
He contrasted this with Tinubu’s inner circle, saying, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s cabal is made up of a sophisticated and ambitious group of people who had a long history in power. They are experienced, they are educated, and so they have sound knowledge of what power is.”
According to Dalung, these cabals have the capacity to manipulate power, control access to the president, and filter information, creating an environment that could harm the presidency more than during Buhari’s administration.
“These cabals are masters, and therefore, are more dangerous than any cabal in the history of this country,” he added.
Tinubu, who narrowly won the February 2023 election and assumed office on May 29, 2023, had earlier declared in July 2024 that he was not beholden to any cabal or moneybag.
However, Dalung’s comments suggest otherwise, painting a picture of a presidency heavily influenced by a well-organized and strategic inner circle.
