Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Policy Communication, has denied ever making critical remarks about the Nigerian president during his time in opposition.
Bwala made the remarks during an appearance on the “Head to Head” programme on Al Jazeera, hosted by Mehdi Hasan.
The episode examined the performance of the Tinubu administration under the theme “Nigeria: ‘Renewed Hope’ or ‘Hopelessness’?” During the interview, Hasan confronted Bwala with past statements, clips and quotes from his time as a spokesperson aligned with the presidential campaign of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar.
Hasan referenced a January 22, 2023 claim attributed to Bwala alleging that Tinubu created a militia to influence the election. Responding, Bwala denied ever making such a statement.
“You said Tinubu started a militia to sway the election corruptly,” Hasan said during the interview.
“Tinubu didn’t create a militia, and I never said that,” Bwala replied.
The host also cited an earlier remark suggesting suspicious movements of cash into Tinubu’s residence during the election period. Bwala again rejected the claim, insisting that he never made the statement.
Clips circulating on social media were also referenced, showing Bwala previously alleging that Tinubu or his allies threatened him after he criticised the then-presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress.
When questioned about those remarks, Bwala again denied making them, saying, “I never said that.”
The presidential aide explained that his earlier political position was shaped by his role in the opposition, noting that “the job of opposition is to oppose.”
He added that the statements attributed to him were part of political rhetoric at the time and are no longer relevant now that he serves in the administration.