Former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Solomon Dalung, has criticised the initial composition of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council for the 2027 general elections, warning that allegations against some members could undermine public confidence in the ruling party.
Dalung, who spoke on Arise Television on Tuesday, said the credibility of the 2027 electoral process would depend partly on the integrity of those selected to campaign for the various presidential candidates.
He said, “The credibility of any transition process begins with nominations of those qualified to contest, and then those that are put forward to solicit support and convince people to support the various candidates.”
The former minister said the APC campaign council list had raised concerns among Nigerians because of allegations previously associated with some of the individuals named.
“Of great concern is the list of people saddled with the responsibilities of campaigning for the various candidates.
“So far, we have the list of the APC, and it has elicited serious concern by Nigerians looking at the characters that populated that list.
“If you have a campaign council list made up of these personalities, who have corruption hanging on their necks like the sword of Damocles, then you will question what the future looks like.
“What type of government are we trying to put in the future, and what will the Bola Ahmed Tinubu government, if elected in 2027, look like?” he asked.
Dalung also faulted the APC’s decision to withdraw the initial list for review, describing the development as an indication of a lack of confidence in the party’s own choices.
“They cannot throw a list of very corrupt persons to our face and then turn around to say they are going to review it.
“This is a vote of no confidence passed on themselves, and I think Nigerians should take note of this.”
He dismissed suggestions that his criticism was politically motivated, saying his position was based on the national interest.
“It is not about where you stand,” he said, stressing that the focus should be on “the capacity of the government to deliver on its campaign promises.”
On fuel subsidy, Dalung called for its reintroduction, arguing that its removal had failed to improve the welfare of ordinary Nigerians.
“On fuel subsidy, I stand with the reintroduction of fuel subsidy because the withdrawal of fuel subsidy has not benefited Nigerians. Rather, it has benefited the few people in government,” he said.
He also accused the government of lacking the capacity to tackle corruption.
“This government has no capacity to deal with corruption because its foundation is on corruption,” he alleged.
However, Dalung commended President Bola Tinubu for supporting the establishment of state police.
“I will have to commend President Bola Tinubu for insisting and pressuring the National Assembly to have the state police Act passed,” he said.
He said the benefits of the initiative would not be immediate, adding, “Nigeria should not expect the benefits now because it is going to take a long period.”
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
What do you think about this?
Drop your opinion in the comment section.
FOLLOW US & Share this with someone who needs to see this.
