The All Progressives Congress has dismissed the allegations by former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Solomon Dalung, alleging that a powerful cabal has taken over President Bola Tinubu’s government.

The National Secretary of the APC, Ajibola Basiru, criticised Dalung’s credibility and his performance as a former minister.

“Who is Dalung? What was his scorecard when he served as a minister? He clearly lacks the intellectual depth to engage in matters of governance,” Basiru said.

Dalung, in an interview with The PUNCH, had stated that he foresaw the development even before Tinubu’s inauguration on May 29, 2023.

According to him, the President had not been in full control of his administration from the outset.

“From the time I met Tinubu as an aspirant to the moment he was elected, I knew we would end up exactly where we are today,” Dalung said.

“Just days before his inauguration, I was with some Yoruba elders and warned them that Tinubu’s government had already been hijacked by a sophisticated cabal.

“They accused me of harbouring hatred toward him, but I was simply telling the truth,” he added.

Dalung, a lawyer and political commentator, pointed to specific instances to support his claim, including the controversial removal of fuel subsidies on inauguration day.

“There was no cabinet in place, just the President and Vice President, yet a major economic policy—the removal of subsidy—was announced.

“That decision alone triggered a chain reaction: fuel prices soared, the cost of living skyrocketed, transportation, school fees—everything became more expensive,” he said.

He likened himself to the biblical prophet Jeremiah, saying he foresaw the looming hardship and now lives through the consequences, left with only “lamentations.”

When asked if his concerns mirrored similar criticisms made during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, Dalung admitted there were parallels but argued that the current cabal was more dangerous.

“Buhari’s cabal was made up of inexperienced people. Many of them had no idea how to run a government. Tinubu’s cabal, on the other hand, is filled with experienced, cunning, and highly ambitious individuals. They are manipulative and far more sophisticated,” he explained.

Basiru, however, questioned the logic behind the cabal theory, pointing out that democratic structures like the National Assembly were actively functioning.

“What cabal is he talking about when the National Assembly is there? His analysis is not only lazy but also devoid of substance. It’s hard to dignify such ignorance with a serious response,” he added.

Basiru accused critics like Dalung of being unable to move past their electoral defeat in 2023 and of making unfounded claims to discredit the government.

“People like him are still traumatised by the outcome of the last election. No matter what the administration does, they remain blind to the progress being made. They are determined to see nothing work, even when the evidence is clear,” he said.

He concluded by reiterating the administration’s resolve to stay focused: “As Mr President has made clear, we will not be distracted by armchair critics. Those who are dissatisfied should meet us at the ballot box.”