Former Minister of Sports, Solomon Dalung, has warned that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is on a path that could jeopardize its chances of winning the 2027 presidential election, citing worsening economic conditions and insecurity across the country.
Dalung, who served under the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, made the remarks in a post shared on his X account on Tuesday.
According to him, incumbent governments often lose elections not because the opposition gains strength, but because they gradually lose touch with the people they govern. He stressed that administrations seeking another term must continuously earn the trust and support of citizens through policies that reduce hardship, improve security, and fulfill campaign promises.
The former minister said many Nigerians are grappling with rising living costs, unemployment, and persistent insecurity, warning that these realities could significantly influence voter decisions in the 2027 general election.
Dalung argued that every unfulfilled promise and every painful experience creates more dissatisfied voters, adding that political campaigns begin long before the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announces an election timetable.
He further maintained that hunger, economic hardship, and hopelessness have a greater impact on electoral outcomes than political rhetoric, noting that citizens are more likely to judge the government by their daily experiences than by campaign speeches.
Dalung also cautioned the Tinubu administration against interpreting political endorsements and defections as proof of widespread public support. Instead, he urged the government to prioritize addressing Nigeria’s economic and security challenges if it hopes to secure a second term in office.
“When I say President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is working very hard to lose the 2027 election, I am not expressing a political wish; I am offering a political assessment,” Dalung said.
He added that governments seeking re-election must consistently build public goodwill through compassionate leadership, improved security, and policies that ease the burden on citizens, warning that many Nigerians are now focused not on luxury, but simply on survival.