Former Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung, has opened up on why he remains a critic of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, accusing the government of what he called an “emperor-style” approach to governance.
Dalung, a prominent member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), made the comments during an interview on Inside Sources aired on Channels Television on Sunday.
The former minister expressed concern over what he described as a concentration of power around the presidency, arguing that such tendencies have weakened democratic institutions and silenced dissenting voices.
“What we are witnessing under this administration resembles a monarchy more than a democracy.
“The leadership pattern is becoming too centralised. Those who raise genuine concerns are treated as enemies rather than citizens offering alternative viewpoints, ” he said.
He maintained that his criticism of Tinubu’s policies stemmed from his belief in accountability and participatory governance, not personal rivalry.
“Opposition does not mean hatred. I am against policies that marginalise ordinary Nigerians or benefit a select few,” he said.
Dalung, who served under former President Muhammadu Buhari between 2015 and 2019, urged the Tinubu government to prioritise inclusivity and transparency.
He warned that Nigeria’s democracy could be undermined if citizens continue to feel excluded from decision-making.
“Leadership should be about service and humility, not domination.
”We fought for democracy so that no one man would wield excessive control over the affairs of millions,” he said.
The former minister also called on young Nigerians to stay engaged in national issues rather than succumb to political apathy.
Known for his blunt political views, Dalung has often challenged successive administrations on matters of governance, national unity, and social justice.
In recent years, he has used various media platforms to question economic decisions and security strategies implemented by the federal government.
