2027: Ex-Buhari Minister Criticizes Primaries That Produced Atiku

Former Minister of Sports and Youths Development, Solomon Dalung, has expressed disappointment over the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential primary that produced former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as the party’s flag bearer, stating he is not proud of the process. Speaking during a podcast interview hosted by Seun Okinbaloye, Dalung criticized the conduct of the primary, saying it fell short of expectations and reflected poorly on the party’s maturity after years of democratic experience. He emphasized that the election did not meet the standards he believed the ADC should uphold as it prepares for the 2027 general elections.

Dalung, who served as an electoral officer during the primary, revealed he witnessed irregularities that raised concerns about fairness and transparency. He pointed out that after 26 to 27 years of democratic governance in Nigeria, the party should have moved beyond issues like rigging and falsification of results. “I’m not proud of the presidential primary that produced Atiku Abubakar because it fell below my expectations,” he said. “But, of course, that is what we have now, and it is not good enough because I expected that we in the ADC would have done much better than this.”

Despite his criticism, Dalung affirmed that the ADC is not dead and still has potential to grow stronger. He acknowledged that the party’s current state is not as formidable as it was in previous years, but he remains hopeful for improvement. His comments come amid growing scrutiny over the credibility of political party primaries in Nigeria, especially as the 2027 elections draw closer. The ADC’s recent primary election, which selected Atiku Abubakar as its candidate, has been a subject of debate, with some stakeholders questioning the fairness and transparency of the process.

Dalung’s remarks highlight broader concerns about electoral integrity within Nigeria’s political landscape. As parties begin positioning themselves for the next general election, the need for credible, transparent, and inclusive primaries becomes increasingly critical. His experience as a former minister and electoral officer gives his observations added weight, especially as the public demands higher standards from political institutions. The ADC’s ability to address these concerns will likely influence its relevance and competitiveness in the coming years.

Looking ahead, the ADC faces the challenge of rebuilding trust and demonstrating its commitment to democratic principles. Dalung’s critique serves as a call to action for party leaders to ensure future primaries are conducted with greater integrity and accountability. The 2027 elections may well depend on how seriously political parties take these lessons.