Former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Solomon Dalung, has described the exit of former Finance Minister Wale Edun as inevitable, arguing that his values were incompatible with the political environment under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Speaking during an interview on Trust TV, Dalung said Edun is a man of integrity who struggled to operate within the system he found himself in.
“Wale Edun is somebody who has integrity. He’s a misfit in the kind of political arrangement we have. I think he endured it to the point where his integrity was at risk, and he had to step aside,” he said.
While the Presidency attributed Edun’s resignation to health reasons, Dalung suggested there was more to the story. He said he would accept the official explanation but hinted that those close to Edun understand the situation differently.
“What we know is more than what they are telling Nigerians,” he added.
Dalung also used the development to highlight what he described as the uncertainty within the President’s inner circle, noting that if someone as close to Tinubu as Edun could leave in such circumstances, no one’s position is guaranteed.
He spoke warmly of Edun, describing him as one of the finest individuals he had worked with in government. According to him, their relationship was once close, with regular interactions during their time in office, though communication between them faded after Edun became a minister.
Reflecting on Edun’s appointment, Dalung said he had personal reservations at the time, suggesting the role would be difficult given the surrounding political dynamics.
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On party politics, Dalung commented on discussions within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing the idea of adopting Peter Obi as a presidential candidate as “fantastic,” though he maintained that he must remain neutral as a party leader.
He warned against any form of internal manipulation within the ADC, stressing the need for fairness and transparency.
“There must be no repeat of the kind of injustice we left behind. If that happens, the ADC will face serious problems. We owe the next generation something better,” he said.
