Obi: He’s Not A Good Manager, How Can You Get 1m Votes In Plateau And Never Come To The State -Dalung

According to a report by Daily Independent, on Monday, July 20, 2026, former Minister of Sports Development and African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain Solomon Dalung spoke on several national political issues during an interview with Chibuike Chukwu.

He discussed President Bola Tinubu’s chances ahead of the 2027 general election, the challenges facing the APC, the ongoing political realignments, and his views on the political strength of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso.

Dalung argued that one of the biggest mistakes any politician can make is to create a record while in office and later fail to live up to the expectations that record has created.

According to him, when Tinubu served as governor of Lagos State, many Nigerians believed he possessed an exceptional ability to transform governance.

As a result, when he became president, many citizens expected him to replicate what they described as the “Lagos magic” across the country.

However, Dalung maintained that the expectations of many Nigerians have not been met.

He stated that many people believe the current administration has performed below expectations and said such public perception could have a significant impact on President Tinubu’s campaign and electoral chances in the 2027 presidential election.

Beyond the election itself, Dalung said the president’s major challenge may come from questions surrounding his qualifications.

He recalled that when issues relating to Tinubu’s credentials reached the Supreme Court after the 2023 election, the court ruled that they were pre-election matters.

According to him, fresh petitions have already been submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), while legal proceedings are also expected.

He added that there are several questions concerning the president’s credentials that would likely require answers before the next election.

Speaking on the political developments within the ADC, Dalung described politics as a process that constantly involves alliances and new political calculations.

He said political parties must always adjust their strategies whenever circumstances change.

He dismissed suggestions that the exit of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso weakened the ADC.

He argued that the party benefited because some of their supporters decided to remain in the ADC rather than follow them.

He also noted that a number of party members who had previously left alongside them have now begun returning to the party.

Dalung further rejected claims that any individual should be regarded as an overwhelming political force in northern Nigeria, insisting that such descriptions are misleading.

He said, “Peter Obi is not a manager of political goodwill. He is just somebody that cashed on the opportunity. He’s not a good manager because how can you get up to a million votes in Plateau and after the election, you have never even come to the state.”

Dalung argued that Obi did not properly sustain the political support he received after the 2023 election.

He claimed that the former Labour Party presidential candidate failed to revisit Plateau State after securing a large number of votes there.

He also alleged that Obi did not visit Benue State following the election.

Dalung further criticized Obi’s frequent foreign trips, questioning whether such engagements would help him build the grassroots political support required to govern Nigeria.

According to him, political leaders should remain connected to the people who supported them rather than spending much of their time outside the country.

He concluded by expressing confidence that the political landscape in Plateau State ahead of the 2027 election would be different from what it was in 2023…....