…Ex-Minister of Youth and Sports condemns attack
By Chucks Nwonye
Former Minister of Youth and Sports, Barrister Solomon Dalung, has condemned the reported beating of Mr. Tempo Mudi, Protocol Officer to the Delta State Governor, following remarks he made at a political meeting in Asaba.
According to reports circulating on Thursday, Mudi was allegedly attacked by some youths after he told attendees at the Delta State APC Leadership Meeting that the Bola Tinubu administration is “the best thing to happen to Nigerians.”
Dalung, in a statement made available to journalists, said he read the reports with concern and called for restraint in political discourse across the country.
“I just read reports that Mr. Tempo Mudi, the Protocol Officer to the Delta State Governor, was allegedly beaten by some youths after declaring during the Delta State APC Leadership Meeting that the Tinubu administration is the best thing to happen to Nigerians,” Dalung said.
“If the reports are true, I condemn this act in its entirety.”
The incident, if confirmed, adds to growing concerns about political intolerance at party gatherings ahead of future elections. The APC Leadership Meeting in Delta was convened to review the party’s structure in the state and to align positions ahead of 2027.
Dalung, who served as minister under former President Muhammadu Buhari and has remained a vocal commentator on governance, argued that violence has no place in responding to political opinions, no matter how unpopular they may sound.
“People should be free to express their opinions, even when those opinions involve praising what many would argue is the worst government in the history of our democracy,” he said. “Freedom of expression does not cease to exist simply because we find someone’s views outrageous, or completely detached from reality.”
The former minister drew a distinction between disagreement and assault, urging citizens and party members to engage with ideas rather than force.
“If you disagree with him, challenge his position with facts and arguments,” Dalung stated. “Resorting to violence only weakens your own case and undermines the very democratic values we all claim to defend.”
As of press time, there has been no official statement from the Delta State Government or the APC in the state confirming the details of the alleged assault. Efforts to reach Mr. Mudi for comment were unsuccessful.
The reported attack has sparked reactions on social media, with many Nigerians debating the state of free speech within political parties.
Supporters of the Tinubu administration described the alleged beating as evidence of rising hostility toward pro-government voices, while critics said the incident reflects frustration over economic hardship and policy decisions since May 2023.
Political pundits have however noted that Delta State remains a key battleground for the APC, which has been working to expand its influence in the South-South. Tensions within party meetings have increased in recent months as different factions position themselves ahead of congresses and elections.
Human rights advocates have also weighed in, reminding political actors that Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution guarantees the right to freedom of expression. They argue that party meetings, as spaces for debate, should be protected from intimidation.
Dalung’s comments align with his long-standing position on civil liberties. During his time in government and after, he has often criticized both government actions and opposition tactics when they threaten democratic norms.
The former minister in his statement, called on security agencies in Delta to investigate the matter and ensure that those responsible are held accountable if the allegations are substantiated.
“Our democracy will only grow stronger when we can disagree without violence,” he said. “That is the standard we must hold ourselves to, regardless of party.”
The police in Delta State had not released an official report on the incident as of Thursday evening.
