From Our Correspondent
Former Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung, has warned Nigerians that President Bola Tinubu’s administration has no genuine interest in national development and will resort to deceptive tactics as the 2027 elections approach.
In an interview with journalists during the week, Dalung claimed that the current government is deliberately worsening economic hardship and will later present temporary relief measures as a strategy to manipulate public perception ahead of 2027.
Dalung, a vocal critic of successive administrations, served under former President Muhammadu Buhari and was part of the All Progressives Congress (APC) government.
However, he has since distanced himself from the ruling party, often criticizing what he describes as failed policies and leadership betrayal.
His latest remarks suggest that Tinubu’s administration is following a familiar pattern of deception, one he claims was also evident in past regimes.
According to Dalung, by mid-2025, the government will likely reduce fuel prices to around N500 per liter, not as a genuine economic policy but as a calculated move to win public favor before 2027.
He argued that this tactic will be used to create an illusion of responsiveness, making Nigerians believe the administration has suddenly become more concerned about their welfare.
“The government is not interested in developing the country.
They are only interested in maintaining control,” Dalung stated.
“By mid-year, under pressure from the people, they will cut petrol prices by 50%.
This will be widely celebrated, and their supporters will claim it’s proof of good governance.
But it’s all a deception targeted at 2027.”
He further alleged that pro-government influencers and media propagandists will use the anticipated fuel price reduction to paint Tinubu’s administration as a listening government.
This, he said, is a well-orchestrated move to condition Nigerians into believing that the ruling party has transformed into a reformed, people-oriented leadership ahead of 2027.
Dalung cautioned Nigerians to be skeptical of any temporary economic relief introduced by the government, asserting that such policies will not be sustainable beyond 2027.
“The goal is to mislead Nigerians into thinking they’ve changed, that they’re ‘born-again politicians,’ but it’s just a ploy to secure power in 2027,” he said.
“They will roll out policies aimed at deceiving the people, but once the election is over, the cycle of hardship will continue.”
Dalung’s remarks add to growing concerns over the administration’s economic strategies, as many Nigerians continue to grapple with rising inflation, high fuel prices, and general economic instability.
With 2027 fast approaching, his warning underscores the skepticism surrounding political maneuvering in the country’s electoral landscape.
