Former Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Solomon Dalung, has declared that the African Democratic Congress has the political depth to defeat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, insisting that success will depend on collective resolve rather than individual ambition.
Dalung made the remarks on Sunday Politics, a current affairs programme aired on Channels Television on Sunday, February 8.
He attributed his optimism to the calibre of politicians currently aligned with the ADC.
“So I think we have so many people to challenge Tinubu,” Dalung said during the programme.
“I can determine to contest the election, and I will challenge him.”
The former minister, who served under the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, noted that the ADC has emerged as a major platform for opposition figures following its adoption last year by a broad political coalition.
READ ALSO: Tinubu’s Govt Cabal More Sophisticated, Dangerous Than Buhari’s — Dalung
The party currently counts among its ranks former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi; former Rivers State governor and ex-minister, Rotimi Amaechi; former Osun State governor and ex-minister, Rauf Aregbesola; former national chairman of the All Progressives Congress, John Odigie-Oyegun; and former Senate President, David Mark.
While critics have warned that the ADC could fracture after its presidential primary due to the number of influential politicians involved, Dalung dismissed such concerns, saying the party has already agreed on a unifying principle.
According to him, the opposition is determined to rally behind whoever emerges as its candidate through a transparent process.
“We are going to conduct a transparent primary, and we have also resolved that whoever wins a transparent primary will be the person all of us support to challenge Tinubu,” he said.
“So, challenging Tinubu is not an individual issue. It’s not the issue of the candidate; it’s the issue of the party. That resolution has been issued and approved.”
With the 2027 elections about a year away, the ruling APC continues to expand its ranks with governors and lawmakers, while internal crises within the Peoples Democratic Party have pushed several opposition leaders towards the ADC, now widely viewed as the most viable alternative to the ruling party.