Solomon Dalung, former Minister of Youth and Sports, has raised an alarm about the growing influence of cabals within President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Dalung compared the powerbrokers in Tinubu’s government to those under former President Muhammadu Buhari, calling the current group more sophisticated, ambitious, and dangerous. His remarks have sparked widespread debate about the role of unelected individuals in Nigerian governance and the implications for transparency and accountability.
Reflecting on his time as a minister under Buhari, Dalung revealed that cabals significantly influenced government decisions. He described Buhari as “a stranger in his government,” implying that power largely resided with a select group of individuals. However, Dalung characterized these cabals as less educated and inexperienced in governance.
“They lacked deep knowledge of governance and public administration,” Dalung noted. “This limited their capacity to manipulate power to its fullest potential.”
While their influence was undeniable, Dalung suggested that their lack of sophistication kept their actions somewhat predictable and less strategic.
In sharp contrast, Dalung painted a more concerning picture of the cabals surrounding President Tinubu. According to him, these individuals are not only well-educated but also deeply experienced in the dynamics of power.
“These are seasoned politicians with a long history in power,” Dalung said. “They are ambitious, strategic, and understand the intricacies of governance and public administration. This makes them far more dangerous than any cabal we’ve seen in this country.”
He emphasized that their sophisticated approach to power could enable them to manipulate systems more effectively, potentially sidelining elected officials and undermining democratic processes.
Dalung’s warning centers on the dangers posed by well-informed cabals. Their education and experience give them an edge in maneuvering political systems and influencing decision-making processes. Unlike their predecessors, these powerbrokers are described as masters of strategy, capable of consolidating power in ways that could have long-term implications for Nigeria’s governance.
“This is not just about their ambition,” Dalung explained. “It’s about their ability to use their knowledge and resources to control the government’s direction without accountability to the people.”
The rise of such sophisticated cabals raises critical questions about transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s governance. If unelected individuals wield significant power behind the scenes, it could erode trust in the government and weaken democratic institutions.
Dalung’s comments also highlight the need for President Tinubu to address these concerns directly. Will he take steps to ensure that power remains in the hands of elected officials, or will these influential groups continue to operate unchecked?
Dalung’s remarks have ignited conversations across Nigeria, with many citizens expressing concern about the unchecked power of cabals in government. Critics argue that the influence of such groups undermines democracy and shifts focus away from the needs of the people. Others see Dalung’s comments as a call to action, urging leaders to prioritize transparency and reform.
