- Former Minister Reveals How Powerful Group Seized Control After 2015 Election
Former Minister of Youth and Sports Solomon Dalung has revealed how a powerful cabal hijacked the government of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari shortly after his 2015 electoral victory. Speaking on the Mic On Podcast published on Sunday, Dalung shared firsthand accounts of how this group sidelined key campaigners and ran the presidency to serve their own interests.
Dalung described a cabal as “a group of ambitious people appointed by the president to assist in governance but who ultimately operate the presidency for their personal gain.”
Recounting his experience, Dalung said:
“On the evening of Buhari’s victory, I went to see him in his office. I had been with him late into the previous night. But that day, I was blocked from entering his residence until I made calls to get access. It became clear then that a cabal had taken over.”
He alleged that the cabal emerged from “nowhere,” sidelining loyal campaigners who had worked tirelessly for Buhari’s victory.
“The people who worked for Buhari were busy celebrating, leaving him exposed. Those who understood power moved in, took over, and ran the government in their interest for eight years,” Dalung said.
Reports of a “cabal” influencing Buhari’s administration surfaced frequently during his tenure, fueling speculation about the control and decision-making within his government. Dalung’s revelations provide further insight into the dynamics of power in Nigeria’s leadership.