Former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Solomon Dalung, has made a striking political statement ahead of the 2027 general elections, claiming that the late former President Muhammadu Buhari’s political support base is gradually shifting towards former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
Dalung, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), made the remarks during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he discussed the political situation in the country and the opposition’s preparations for the 2027 presidential election.
The former minister also made a reference to what he described as a phone call from Buhari’s grave, suggesting that the late president’s supporters should now support Atiku in the forthcoming election.
According to Dalung, the political development followed a reported visit by former First Lady Aisha Buhari to Atiku’s residence in Abuja, which he interpreted as a significant indication of a possible political realignment.
Dalung speaks on Aisha Buhari’s visit to Atiku
Speaking during the interview, Dalung alleged that Aisha Buhari had visited Atiku with a message concerning the political support associated with her late husband.
He claimed that the 12 million votes traditionally associated with Buhari had effectively been transferred to the former vice president ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Dalung suggested that the visit should not be viewed as an ordinary social engagement, arguing that it carried political significance for the opposition.
He said the development indicated that Atiku could attract support from Nigerians who previously identified with Buhari’s political movement.
The former minister, however, did not provide independent evidence that the votes had been transferred, as voting decisions remain the personal choices of individual Nigerians.
‘We have received a phone call from Buhari’s grave’
In one of the most attention-grabbing moments of the interview, Dalung made a reference to receiving a phone call from the grave of the late president.
He said:
“We have had a phone call from the grave of Buhari that we should vote Atiku. Therefore, there is much momentum for them to win.”
The statement appeared to be a rhetorical reference to the political significance he attached to Aisha Buhari’s reported visit to Atiku, rather than a literal claim of communication with the deceased former president.
Dalung’s comments have since attracted attention because of the unusual way he connected Buhari’s political legacy with Atiku’s presidential ambition.
Dalung expresses confidence in Atiku’s chances
Beyond his comments about Buhari’s political support base, the former minister expressed confidence in Atiku’s political strength ahead of the 2027 elections.
He argued that Atiku possesses a nationwide political structure capable of mobilising support across different parts of the country.
According to Dalung, the former vice president’s political foundation is connected to the late General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, under whom Atiku developed his political experience.
He maintained that Atiku’s long-standing involvement in Nigerian politics gives him access to political networks across the country.
Dalung further argued that even if President Bola Tinubu took control of the ADC national secretariat and prevented the opposition party from campaigning, it would not stop Atiku from challenging him in 2027.
He said he remained confident that Tinubu would face a serious challenge from the opposition.
Buhari’s political legacy and the 2027 election
Dalung’s comments have also brought renewed attention to the political legacy of Muhammadu Buhari, who served as Nigeria’s president from 2015 to 2023.
During his political career, Buhari enjoyed considerable support, particularly in Northern Nigeria, where his political movement attracted millions of voters.
His death has become part of discussions surrounding the political calculations ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Dalung believes that the political support associated with the late president could become an important factor in the contest, particularly if opposition figures succeed in attracting voters who previously supported the All Progressives Congress (APC).
However, the claim that Buhari’s 12 million votes have been transferred to Atiku remains Dalung’s political assertion and should not be mistaken for an established electoral development.
Political activities intensify ahead of 2027
The comments come as political activities and realignments continue to gather momentum ahead of the next presidential election.
President Tinubu and the APC are expected to face opposition from different political groups seeking to challenge the ruling party.
Atiku, who has remained a major figure in Nigerian politics, is also part of the emerging opposition arrangements under the ADC.
The coming months are expected to feature further political consultations, alliances, party activities and discussions about candidates and campaign strategies.
Dalung’s latest remarks have added another dimension to the debate, particularly concerning the influence of Buhari’s political legacy and the possibility of attracting his former supporters.
Nevertheless, whether the support Dalung claims is shifting towards Atiku will translate into actual votes remains to be determined by the choices Nigerians make at the ballot box in 2027.