Former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Solomon Dalung, has openly criticized the recent wave of defections by politicians into the All Progressives Congress (APC), branding the movement as a mass assembly of “political sinners” seeking protection, not ideological alignment.
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, Dalung dismissed the notion that the ongoing influx of opposition politicians into the ruling party signifies a vote of confidence in President Bola Tinubu’s leadership or the APC’s performance. Instead, he argued that most of the defectors are opportunists attempting to shield themselves from public scrutiny and potential consequences for past misdeeds.
"These are individuals who have committed grievous wrongs against the Nigerian people. They are not joining the APC because they believe in its vision or leadership. They are simply trying to cleanse their political sins by entering the party," Dalung stated.
He referenced a past remark by former Edo State Governor and ex-APC National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, who once said that a politician’s sins would be forgiven once they joined the ruling party a sentiment Dalung suggested has become a convenient escape route for many.
“It’s now a political conclave,” Dalung added. “A sanctuary for cardinals of corruption, where entry grants automatic absolution. But such an influx is dangerous — it threatens the ideological cohesion and stability of the APC.”
"Defections Will Lead to APC Implosion" – Dalung Warns
Dalung further warned that these mass defections, while appearing to strengthen the APC in the short term, could eventually destabilize the party from within. Drawing on Hausa proverbs, he questioned the real value of such moves.
“There’s a Hausa proverb: If animals celebrate the death of the butcher, has the knife also died? These defectors may be celebrating now, but they bring with them unresolved baggage. Has the electorate that voted them in also defected?”
According to him, President Tinubu gains no real political advantage from accepting these defectors, and instead inherits unresolved tensions and contradictions that could trigger an internal crisis.
Dalung: El-Rufai's Entry into SDP Not a Threat to Adebayo
On the evolving dynamics within the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Dalung downplayed any concerns about former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai potentially overshadowing Prince Adewole Adebayo, the party’s 2023 presidential candidate.
“Since the days of Chief MKO Abiola, no figure has carried the SDP brand more prominently than Adebayo. He remains the face of the party,” Dalung said confidently.
He lauded Adebayo’s consistent and principled stance in the national media against the shortcomings of the current administration, which has earned him widespread public recognition.
“Even if an entire political class migrated to the SDP today, they would still have to confront the question of Adebayo’s leadership and candidacy. He’s a force to reckon with,” Dalung asserted.
Describing Adebayo as a selfless patriot, Dalung revealed that Adebayo had committed his post-50 life to serving the Nigerian people, not for personal ambition, but to restore justice, fairness, and good governance.
“If he contests and loses in a transparent election, he’ll still remain a team player committed to the struggle for a better Nigeria.”
SDP’s Role in Emerging Opposition Coalition Talks
Addressing speculations about the SDP’s involvement in an opposition coalition, Dalung acknowledged the existence of ongoing conversations, though he clarified he is not authorized to speak on behalf of the party.
“While I am aware that some meetings have taken place between the coalition delegation and the SDP leadership, the details are not yet public. The party leadership is better positioned to comment officially,” he said.
Dalung’s remarks underscore the evolving political landscape in Nigeria, where party loyalty is increasingly fluid, and ideological convictions are often secondary to personal and political survival.
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