By Hazmat Momoh
Former Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung, has expressed concerns over the influence of powerful individuals surrounding President Bola Tinubu, describing them as a greater threat than the cabals that operated under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Speaking on Channels Television's Politics Today, Dalung contrasted the dynamics of both administrations, noting that while Buhari was somewhat disengaged from his government, allowing cabals to assume control, Tinubu’s situation is markedly different.
Dalung explained that Buhari’s cabals were largely inexperienced and had limited political and administrative knowledge, which restricted their influence.
In contrast, Tinubu’s inner circle consists of "sophisticated, ambitious, and well-educated individuals" with a deep understanding of power and governance.
“These cabals are masters,” Dalung warned.
“They have the capacity to manipulate power, create barriers around the president, restrict information flow, and control access to him.
Their sophistication makes them more dangerous than any cabal in the history of this country.”
Dalung highlighted the risks of these individuals’ ambitions, suggesting their influence could severely impact Tinubu’s presidency.
He added that while Tinubu declared in July 2024 that he was not beholden to any cabal, the actions of his close allies suggest otherwise.
Tinubu, who narrowly won the February 2023 election, was inaugurated on May 29, 2023. Dalung’s remarks add to growing public discourse on the role of cabals in Nigerian governance.
