Former Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung, has provided further insight into his early relationship with the late former President, Muhammadu Buhari, revealing the candid nature of their initial interactions.
Dalung made the disclosure during an interview on Channels Television, where he reflected on how he was drawn into Buhari’s political circle ahead of the 2015 general elections. His account highlights what he described as a direct and personal outreach from Buhari, built on mutual recognition and shared political ideals.
Quoting his encounter with the former president, Dalung said, “I didn’t look for Buhari, it was Buhari who picked his phone and called me and said ‘come’ and I joined him and he said ‘come let’s do politics together, we think alike. He said that I know you very well. You have very toxic mouth and you don’t spare anybody, please don’t spare me.’” The remark suggests that Buhari was not only aware of Dalung’s outspoken nature but also welcomed it.
According to Dalung, the exchange reflected a level of openness and willingness by Buhari to engage with critical voices within his circle. It also points to an early expectation that honesty and blunt feedback would be part of their working relationship.
