The All Progressives Congress (APC) has denied the allegations by former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Solomon Dalung, alleging that a powerful cabal has taken over President Bola Tinubu’s government.
Ajibola Basiru, the National Secretary of the APC, criticised Dalung’s credibility and his performance as a former minister.
“Who is Dalung? What was his scorecard when he served as a minister? He clearly lacks the intellectual depth to engage in matters of governance,” Basiru said.
Dalung, in an interview, had mentioned that he foresaw the development even before Tinubu’s inauguration on May 29, 2023.
According to Dalung, the president had not been in full control of his administration from the outset.
“From the time I met Tinubu as an aspirant to the moment he was elected, I knew we would end up exactly where we are today,” Dalung said.
“Just days before his inauguration, I was with some Yoruba elders and warned them that Tinubu’s government had already been hijacked by a sophisticated cabal.
“They accused me of harbouring hatred toward him, but I was simply telling the truth,” he added.
Dalung, a lawyer and political commentator, highlighted specific instances to support his claim, including the controversial removal of fuel subsidies on inauguration day.
“There was no cabinet in place, just the president and vice president, yet a major economic policy—the removal of subsidy—was announced.
“That decision alone triggered a chain reaction: fuel prices soared, the cost of living skyrocketed, transportation, school fees—everything became more expensive,” he said.
He compared himself to the ancient prophet Jeremiah, claiming he anticipated the impending misery and is now dealing with the consequences, leaving behind “lamentations”.
When questioned if his fears matched similar charges levelled during previous President Muhammadu Buhari’s government, Dalung conceded there were similarities but maintained that the present cabal was more dangerous.
“Buhari’s cabal was made up of inexperienced people. Many of them had no idea how to run a government. Tinubu’s cabal, on the other hand, is filled with experienced, cunning, and highly ambitious individuals. They are manipulative and far more sophisticated,” he explained.
However, Basiru questioned the logic of the cabal theory, pointing out that democratic structures such as the National Assembly were still in operation.
“What cabal is he talking about when the National Assembly is there? His analysis is not only lazy but also devoid of substance. It’s hard to dignify such ignorance with a serious response,” he added.
Basiru accused critics like Dalung of being unable to move past their electoral defeat in 2023 and of making preposterous claims to discredit the government.
“People like him are still traumatised by the outcome of the last election. No matter what the administration does, they remain blind to the progress being made. They are determined to see nothing work, even when the evidence is clear,” he said.
He concluded by emphasising the APC administration’s resolve to stay focused: “As Mr President has made clear, we will not be distracted by armchair critics. Those who are dissatisfied should meet us at the ballot box.”
