Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Policy Communication, denied claims that he previously accused the Nigerian president of creating a militia to influence the 2023 election.
Bwala made the remarks during an appearance on Head to Head on Al Jazeera hosted by Mehdi Hasan, where the programme examined Tinubu’s administration under the theme “Nigeria: ‘Renewed Hope’ or ‘Hopelessness’?”
During the interview, Hasan confronted Bwala with old quotes, video clips and statements from the period when he was aligned with the presidential campaign of former vice-president Atiku Abubakar.
The host referenced a January 22, 2023 statement attributed to Bwala alleging that Tinubu created a militia to manipulate the election.
“You said Tinubu started a militia to sway the election corruptly,” Hasan told him.
Bwala rejected the claim. “Tinubu didn’t create a militia, and I never said that,” he responded.
Hasan also raised a separate allegation that Bwala had previously questioned suspicious cash movements into Tinubu’s residence during an election period.
Again, Bwala dismissed the claim. “I never said that,” he said.
The host further cited clips circulating on social media in which Bwala allegedly said he had received threats from Tinubu or members of his political camp after criticising the then presidential candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress.
Bwala also denied making such accusations.
“I never said that,” he insisted when pressed during the exchange.
Explaining the contrast between his past political comments and his current role in government, the presidential aide said he had been part of the opposition during the election cycle.
According to him, political messaging during that period reflected the role of an opposition figure challenging a rival candidate.
“The job of opposition is to oppose,” Bwala said, adding that the earlier statements were part of political rhetoric and are no longer relevant in his present role defending the administration of President Tinubu.
Erizia Rubyjeana
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