Former Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung, has said that Mallam Nasir El-Rufai made a “great mistake” by surrendering to security agencies. Dalung claimed the Nigerian government feared El-Rufai, which prompted his arrest.

In an interview with Trust TV, he said authorities initially attempted to arrest El-Rufai at the airport but were unsuccessful. Dalung explained that the government acted out of concern that El-Rufai might mobilize supporters.

He added that trying to capture El-Rufai could have triggered unrest, but the former governor chose to minimize conflict by giving himself up. Dalung called this surrender the biggest error in the struggle for political influence.

“Comrades don’t surrender,” Dalung stated, emphasizing that yielding during a fight leads to shame and regret. He noted that careful planning is crucial when striving to achieve political goals.

The former minister argued that the Tinubu administration’s action reflects its fear of El-Rufai’s influence within the ADC and across the country. He suggested that the arrest was a strategic move to prevent potential upheaval.

Dalung concluded by advising political figures to be cautious in confrontations and avoid self-surrender, claiming that maintaining control and resisting pressure is key in political struggles.