Dalung Expresses Confidence In ADC’s Chances Against Tinubu
About The Author
Former Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Solomon Dalung, has expressed confidence that the African Democratic Congress has credible politicians capable of challenging President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
Dalung said defeating the incumbent would require a united opposition front, adding that the ADC possesses a strong pool of contenders who can mount a serious challenge.
Speaking on a television programme on Sunday, the former minister said his optimism was based on the calibre of politicians currently in the party.
“I think we have so many people to challenge Tinubu,” he said, adding that he could also decide to contest the election himself.
The ADC, which was adopted last year by an opposition coalition as its platform, has attracted several prominent political figures. Among them are former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi; former Rivers State governor and ex-minister, Rotimi Amaechi; former Osun State governor and minister, Rauf Aregbesola; former APC National Chairman, John Odigie-Oyegun; and former Senate President, David Mark.
Political observers have, however, raised concerns that the party could face internal divisions after its presidential primary, given the number of heavyweight politicians within its ranks.
The ruling All Progressives Congress, which controls the majority of state governments and holds a strong presence in the National Assembly, has dismissed suggestions that the ADC could pose a serious threat in the next election.
But Dalung insisted that members of the opposition party are united by a common objective — defeating Tinubu — regardless of who emerges as the party’s presidential candidate.
According to him, the party has agreed to conduct a transparent primary and support whoever emerges as its flagbearer.
He said the contest against Tinubu would be a collective party effort rather than the ambition of any individual candidate.
President Tinubu, a former governor of Lagos State, won the 2023 presidential election, defeating Atiku, Obi, and other candidates.
As preparations for the 2027 election gather pace, the ruling APC has continued to attract new members, including governors, lawmakers, and other political figures.
Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party has witnessed defections and internal disputes, developments that have pushed some opposition leaders toward the ADC, which many analysts now see as a potential platform for a united opposition challenge.
