Bwala Explains Past Criticism of Tinubu Before Becoming Presidential Aide

Daniel Bwala opens up on why he previously criticized President Tinubu before his recent appointment as a presidential aide, shedding light on his change in stance.

Daniel Bwala, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Policy, disclosed on Tuesday that his past criticisms of President Bola Tinubu’s administration were due to his role as a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

In an interview on Arise TV’s The Morning Show, Bwala explained that his previous comments were driven by political motivations and aligned with his responsibilities as a PDP spokesperson at the time.

He stressed that political competition frequently entails showcasing differing viewpoints, but he assured that his present position as a presidential adviser is dedicated to making positive contributions toward national development.

In the past, I criticized Tinubu’s election and administration because I was part of the opposition.

“The role of the opposition is to critique and hold the current government accountable. However, my perspective shifted after meeting with the President, who felt it was necessary to appoint me,” he stated.

Remember that prior to his appointment, Bwala accused Tinubu of election rigging.

He mentioned that the President would encounter challenges regarding moral legitimacy once taking office.

Bwala wrote on X: “Currently, even though the law presumes Tinubu is in the right until the election tribunal and appeals are concluded, he will face challenges with moral legitimacy throughout 240 days of his presidency due to allegations of rigging.”

He added, “Renowned scholars, human rights advocates, and influential opinion leaders who have typically been critical are now subtly supporting him due to cultural and tribal reasons.”

In May 2023, during an interview with Arise Television, Bwala reaffirmed his position by questioning the legitimacy of Tinubu’s victory.

He referred to Tinubu as a “president-select” instead of a “president-elect,” alleging that the Independent National Electoral Commission manipulated the presidential election results.

Bwala stated, “We are in court to argue that the process was rigged. Until there is a final resolution on this issue, we have every legal right to express our opinion that he should be considered ‘president-select’ rather than ‘president-elect,’ based on principles of law, equity, and justice.”

Bwala had been skeptical since March 2023, when he asserted in another interview that the PDP was victorious in the election.

“We emerged victorious. If the results from the sheet were acknowledged, we secured over one million votes. The Nigerian people chose PDP as the winner of this election, but history and posterity will have their say,” he stated firmly.