Former Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung, has alleged the existence of a powerful and sophisticated cabal within President Bola Tinubu’s administration, which he claimed influence over the government’s affairs.
Speaking during an interview on the Mic On podcast hosted by journalist Seun Okinbaloye, Dalung asserted that this group of highly influential individuals has essentially hijacked the government, running it according to their own agenda.
He accused the cabal of deliberately isolating President Tinubu from critical national realities and obstructing those attempting to update him on pressing issues.
Dalung described the cabal as experienced, informed, and deeply entrenched in power, contrasting it with the less competent group he claimed surrounded former President Muhammadu Buhari.
He argued that while Buhari’s cabal was largely comprised of unskilled and inexperienced individuals, the current group poses a greater threat due to its sophistication and understanding of power dynamics.
He remarked, “Cabal exists in Nigeria’s presidency till today. Tinubu has the most sophisticated cabal, worse than Buhari.”
Comparing the two administrations, he added, “Buhari’s cabal was a group of uninformed people with little experience, which is why they were reckless in their dealings. But Tinubu’s cabal is made up of people who are knowledgeable, have been in power for a long time, and understand how to manipulate the system. That makes them far more dangerous than any other cabal I’ve encountered.”
Dalung’s claims have sparked fresh discussions about the influence of unofficial power brokers within Nigeria’s political system.