Former Sports Minister Solomon Dalung has made a striking claim about the 2027 presidential election.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain claims supporters of late President Muhammadu Buhari are backing Atiku Abubakar.
Dalung made the statement on Thursday during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today. He linked the alleged political shift to former First Lady Aisha Buhari’s visit to Atiku’s Abuja residence.
According to Dalung, Aisha’s visit carried a message about Buhari’s estimated 12 million votes.
“The message she took for any politician to know is that the 12 million votes have been successfully transferred,” he said.
He then added: “We have had a phone call from the grave of Buhari that we should vote Atiku.”
Dalung says Atiku has a strong political structure
The former minister argued that Atiku has inherited influential political networks. He linked these structures to those of Buhari and former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.
Dalung believes the networks give Atiku a nationwide political reach ahead of 2027. He also dismissed President Bola Tinubu’s chances against the ADC candidate.
“I am confident that as events are unfolding, Tinubu, even if he would take over the ADC secretariat and stop ADC from campaigning, he cannot defeat Atiku Abubakar in 2027,” he said.
Dalung also described Tinubu as a weak presidential candidate.
“I have never seen a weak president in an election like Bola Ahmed Tinubu. If you drag anybody on the street and put him on a ballot at a contest with Tinubu, he will defeat him,” he added.
Aisha Buhari’s visit sparks political speculation
Atiku had publicly disclosed hosting Aisha Buhari at his Abuja residence in September. However, neither Aisha nor Atiku publicly confirmed Dalung’s claim about transferring Buhari’s votes.
There is also no evidence that the late president’s votes have formally moved to any candidate. Voters make their choices individually.
Dalung’s comments therefore reflect his political interpretation of the meeting. His remarks come as opposition figures continue to explore alliances ahead of the 2027 general election.
