ABUJA — Former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Barrister Solomon Dalung, has sent a chilling warning to opposition heavyweights, including Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar, over the 2027 general elections.
In an explosive assessment of the nation’s political trajectory, Dalung declared that the opposition is “flirting with disaster” if it remains fragmented. He warned that a victory for President Bola Tinubu in 2027 would result in a total crackdown on political dissent, leaving rivals with only two options: flee the country or face incarceration.
“If we misbehave and allow Tinubu to return again as President, no one will be spared if he wins in 2027,” Dalung stated. “The reality is that those who will not be able to escape into exile will be sent to prison.”
The former minister, known for his blunt critiques, argued that the current political climate suggests an administration increasingly intolerant of opposition. He noted that the survival of democracy in Nigeria now hinges on the ability of the major opposition figures to collapse their individual ambitions into a single, formidable coalition.
Dalung’s “prison or exile” prophecy comes amid growing concerns over the shrinking civic space and the legal battles currently facing several high-profile political figures. He urged the leadership of the Labour Party (LP) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to realize that they are facing a “common existential threat” that transcends party lines.
“The time for ego and individual branding is over,” Dalung added. “If the opposition does not unite now, they are effectively preparing their own warrants.”
While the Presidency has yet to officially react to Dalung’s latest outburst, his comments have already ignited a firestorm on social media and within political circles, with many questioning whether the opposition has the discipline required to heed his warning before the next election cycle kicks into full gear.
