In a sharp exchange of political commentary, Presidential Spokesperson Daniel Bwala has taken aim at Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, over his recent criticism of the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
Bwala, who currently serves as the Special Adviser on Policy Communication to President Tinubu, questioned Obi’s right to speak on issues related to Nigeria’s democratic struggle—particularly the events surrounding the historic June 12, 1993 election. According to Bwala, the former Anambra State governor was not part of the democratic movement, as he was allegedly engaged in business activities in Asia during that period.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday evening, Bwala wrote:
“Please can someone confirm to me whether it is true that on June 12, 1993 and weeks after that, @PeterObi Peter Gregory Obi was in Malaysia or somewhere in Asia doing buying and selling trading business? I searched the internet to see any of his involvement in the struggle for democracy, I couldn’t see any link ohh.”
His remarks were a direct response to Obi’s Democracy Day message in which the LP standard bearer called on President Tinubu to emulate former Presidents Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and Goodluck Jonathan in promoting democratic values.
Obi urged Tinubu to follow Yar’Adua’s example by acknowledging flaws in the electoral process that brought him to power, and to act like Jonathan, who conceded defeat in 2015 to preserve national unity. Obi maintained that the 2023 presidential election was marred by irregularities and argued that the Tinubu administration lacks democratic credibility.
“There is no democracy under the current administration,” Obi declared, criticizing what he described as growing authoritarianism and disregard for the rule of law.
Bwala’s comments sparked widespread reactions from Nigerians on social media, many of whom pushed back against his attempt to discredit Obi.
One user, @Udoh_D, challenged Bwala to produce evidence of Tinubu’s own role in the 1993 democratic struggle, writing, “Can you show any evidence of Tinubu’s involvement in the struggle for democracy during the period you referenced—aside from fleeing to London to cool off? Uncle Dele even housed him at some point.”
Another user, @Alphama…, defended Obi’s business background, stating: “It is very nice that you said he was running a legitimate business, not that he was dealing drugs or laundering money… Did the constitution say that it is only those who were on ground at the time that can lay claim to the number one seat of Nigeria?”
Similarly, @Colman12Francis criticized Bwala’s logic: “Are you suggesting that [Tinubu] should be a life president because he fought for democracy? What indices in Tinubu’s government have shown that he understands what democracy means?”
Bwala’s transformation from a vocal critic of the Tinubu administration to a staunch defender has continued to draw scrutiny, with many questioning the motivation behind his shifting allegiances.
The online debate underscores the continued polarization in Nigeria’s political discourse, especially among key figures from the 2023 election cycle.
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