Solomon Dalung, former minister of youth and sports development, has said Wale Edun endured President Bola Tinubu’s administration until his personal integrity came under threat.
Speaking in an interview with Trust TV, Dalung dismissed the official claim that Edun resigned on health grounds, insisting there was more to the development.
The presidency had said Edun stepped down from Tinubu’s cabinet due to health concerns.
However, Dalung said the explanation does not reflect the full reality.
“They said he resigned on health grounds. I agree with them because that’s their media statement,” he said. “But what we know is more than what they are trying to tell Nigerians.”
Dalung described Edun as a close friend and long-time associate, noting that their relationship dates back to his time in office.
“Wale Edun is one of my best friends. When I was a minister, he visited me almost every day,” he said.
He also highlighted Edun’s long-standing relationship with Tinubu.
“Nobody is as close to Wale Edun as to Bola Tinubu. He has been with him for a very long time,” Dalung added.
Despite that closeness, Dalung argued that Edun did not fit into the current political environment.
“He is a very good Nigerian, but he is a misfit into a political arrangement like the one we have in place,” he said.
According to him, Edun’s values ultimately clashed with the system.
“Wale Edun is somebody who has integrity. I think he tolerated it to the extent that his integrity was going to break, and he had to throw in the towel,” Dalung said.
Meanwhile, Dalung also spoke on opposition politics and the possibility of alliances ahead of the next election cycle.
He described the idea of a political alliance involving Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso as “fantastic” for both the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Nigeria.
“On face value, it’s a fantastic and wonderful idea,” he said.
However, he stressed that as a party leader, he must remain neutral.
“I cannot advocate for any candidate because I have many candidates in the party. I must ensure a level playing ground for all,” he said.
Dalung warned against manipulation within the ADC, insisting the party must avoid the mistakes of others.
“There is nothing the ADC will do that will resemble injustice. If that happens, the party will be in trouble,” he said.
He added that the party is committed to transparency and building a better political culture for younger Nigerians.
