BREAKING: Inside Story of Buhari, Tinubu Rift as Obi/Kwankwaso Movement Gains Momentum

An ADC chieftain and former Minister of Youth and Sports under the administration of late former President Muhammadu Buhari, Barr. Solomon Dalung, said in an interview with a Trust TV correspondent that when the party finally secured a platform, its supporters stood by it and remained strong despite disruptions

He was told to return to the issue of the ADC and was reminded that an earlier conversation with Bakari had focused on the party’s internal situation. It was noted that, although it was unclear which bloc he belonged to, there appeared to be different camps within the party positioning themselves ahead of the convention.

He was further informed that the OK Movement and the Obedient Conquest Movement were reportedly coming together and gaining traction. The interviewer also mentioned the Atiku factor, as well as a former governor of Rivers State and former minister—someone he had served with in the Buhari administration—who was also positioning himself as a possible contender.

While responding, he said that even if there were no camps forming ahead of the presidential ticket, he would have been worried and might have reconsidered his position in the ADC. However, he explained that the existence of such camps actually encouraged and strengthened him, adding that these were normal and healthy developments in politics.

He stated that people naturally align based on their interests and organise themselves accordingly, noting that politics is essentially about the struggle for power—who gets what, how, and why. According to him, there was nothing wrong with what was happening, as it had energised the party, raised awareness among members, and helped them assess key actors and make better decisions.

He added that he stands with the Nigerian people and described himself as one of the few politicians without a godfather, saying his political history reflects that.

Speaking on possible alliances, he described the idea of an Obi-Kwankwaso ticket as political strategy, explaining that a vice-presidential candidate is usually chosen only after a presidential candidate has emerged. He said such discussions are part of broader efforts to present a credible option to the public.

He further explained that once a presidential candidate is selected, party leaders would consider wider options rather than make early assumptions. He stressed that it could not be decided in advance that if Peter Obi gets the ticket, Rabiu Kwankwaso must be his running mate.

To support his point, he referred to 1999, noting that although several names were mentioned before the primaries, the party eventually chose a serving governor as the vice-presidential candidate because they believed it would improve their chances of winning.

Further talking, he said, “President Muhammadu Buhari had a Bola Ahmed Tinubu while he was campaigning, as vice president. But when Muhammadu Buhari was elected, the mass movement of Christians who came to endorse Buhari at the International Conference Center had to change the dynamics, there were several likely vice-presidential options.

“So what is happening now is not final. The party may still arrive at a different outcome. After the Supreme Court decision, the ADC will move into the final stage, and that is when you will see those who will truly come into the race.

“Some people within the party, especially supporters of Obi or Kwankwaso, may say, ‘Barrister, read the mood—this is what your supporters want. They do not want the usual political bargaining that follows conventions.’”