Former Minister of Sports Solomon Dalung has clarified his controversial claim that supporters of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari received a “phone call from Buhari’s grave” directing them to vote for Atiku Abubakar in 2027.
In an interview with DCL, Dalung said he had spoken in parables and did not intend his statement to be taken literally. He said he was referring to the visit by Buhari’s wife, Aisha Buhari, to Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress.
Dalung said the visit was, in political terms, like a call from Buhari’s grave indicating where his 12 million votes should go.
“This statement has deep meaning, beyond the comprehension of many people, most of whom are hypocrites. When they hear it, instead of understanding it, they twist it with hypocrisy. That statement is expressed in parables,” he said.
‘God tests people with wisdom’
Asked how a dead man could call anyone, Dalung said God tested people with wisdom and that some statements required discernment to understand.
“What I mean is that the ADC presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, can make an impact,” he said.
Dalung said Atiku commanded respect and had inherited a political lineage associated first with the late General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua and, secondly, with Buhari’s 12 million votes.
“Even if nothing was said to us, we know that if Buhari were alive, this is where his heart would lie. Therefore, we understand this politically, we will utilise it, and we will tell all our supporters that if he were alive, this is what he would do,” he added.
‘Those mocking me lack wisdom’
Responding to critics who mocked him and suggested that he was behaving irrationally or showing signs of old age, Dalung said they lacked wisdom and sound judgment.
“Those making such remarks are the ones lacking wisdom or soundness of mind. As traditional people, we respect our predecessors. Anything attributed to a revered past leader is meant to reflect his ideals,” he said.
Dalung accused his critics of taking illicit money, insulting others because they lacked grassroots support, shutting hotels and party offices, blocking public fields and moving crowds from one state to another.
“People like that, who have no value at the ballot box, their words taste as bitter as honey,” he said.
Why would Buhari support Atiku?
Asked why Buhari, who died as an APC member, would support Atiku of the ADC, Dalung said Buhari’s party membership did not mean he would not have supported Atiku if he were alive.
He noted that some lawmakers had moved to the APC, while some members of the Peoples Democratic Party had joined the ADC, adding that political realignments were normal.
Dalung insisted that his comment was intended as a mark of respect, not disrespect. He said that while Buhari’s wife was alive and his son remained active in politics, consulting her was important when considering a major political realignment.
“To honour Buhari and his contributions, we must project where he would pitch his tent if he were alive. This is standard in politics,” he said.
Dalung cited South Africa’s late former president Nelson Mandela, saying South Africans turned to his legacy during times of crisis, recalling the freedom songs of his era and the country’s history.
“Doing this is paying the highest respect to the departed by remembering his struggles and his vision for the country,” he said.
Three factors behind Atiku
Asked whether the “grave call” alone could shift APC supporters, Dalung identified three factors: Atiku’s political mentor, the late Shehu Musa Yar’Adua; the late Buhari; and Atiku’s political career, which began in 1987 and included serving as vice-president.
“There is no one with a political ideology who has contested in Nigeria like him. Therefore, linking Buhari’s name to him is about honour and respect for us Northerners,” he said.
Dalung denies saying ADC is unprepared
Dalung also denied reports that he had said the ADC was not prepared to win elections.
He said he had warned the party that appointing replacements for officials who had been removed unlawfully while related cases remained before the courts—including the Supreme Court—would show a lack of preparedness. He said such a move could undermine the Supreme Court and put the party at risk of disqualification.
