RismadarVoice Reporters
November 13, 2026
Former Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Solomon Dalung, has claimed that the political support associated with late President Muhammadu Buhari has shifted to former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Dalung, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), asserted on Thursday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today.
He linked his claim to a recent visit by former First Lady Aisha Buhari to Atiku, suggesting that the meeting represented a political endorsement of the opposition candidate.
According to Dalung, the estimated 12 million votes historically associated with Buhari’s electoral support base had been transferred to Atiku.
Using a figurative expression, the former minister said the opposition had received a message from Buhari’s grave encouraging support for Atiku.
He argued that Aisha Buhari’s visit carried political significance and suggested that politicians should recognise what he described as a shift in allegiance among the late president’s supporters.
However, Dalung presented no verifiable evidence that Buhari’s former supporters had collectively transferred their allegiance to Atiku.
There was also no independent confirmation that Aisha Buhari’s visit constituted a formal political endorsement.
Dalung further maintained that Atiku possessed an extensive political network inherited from the late General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, whom he identified as an important influence on the former vice-president’s political career.
He expressed confidence in Atiku’s prospects against President Bola Tinubu, arguing that the opposition candidate’s nationwide political connections would strengthen his campaign.
The former minister also criticised Tinubu’s political standing and alleged that the ruling All Progressives Congress was attempting to restrict opposition activities.
He claimed that even if the ADC faced obstacles in organising campaign events, Atiku would retain substantial political support.
The assertions come amid continuing political realignments and legal disputes affecting the ADC ahead of the 2027 general election.
Although Buhari maintained a significant electoral following during his political career, past support for a candidate does not automatically transfer to another politician.
Similarly, the former first lady’s meeting with Atiku cannot independently establish how Buhari’s supporters intend to vote.
Dalung’s comments therefore represent his political interpretation of recent developments rather than verified evidence of a change in voter preferences.
