Former APC critic Daniel Bwala becomes media aide to Tinubu; stirs reactions
Former spokesperson for the People’s Democratic Party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, Daniel Bwala, makes a switch by becoming one of President Bola Tinubu’s media aides. This appointment now brings a major change to the political dispensation of Nigeria, especially in view of the current power struggle between the incumbent All Progressives Congress (APC) party and the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Bwala’s political crossover from one of Tinubu’s harshest critics to a devoted lieutenant makes one ponder the very concepts of political loyalty and strategy, not to mention the future of Nigerian governance.
Daniel Bwala was earlier an ardent supporter of Atiku Abubakar in the just-ended 2023 presidential election, whereby Atiku was representing the PDP. As a media aide to Atiku, he worked in the limelight of the party as the communication expert, defending policies sponsored by Atiku and at the same time criticizing the APC. Nevertheless, to the astonishment of many political pundits, Bwala in an apparent strategic manner defected to Tinubu.
Bwala’s assumption of office occurs at a time the Tinubu administration has been receiving criticisms on a number of aspects ranging from the economic front to strategies for governance. Tinubu could be trying to centralize the political field and balance it by having Bwala on the side, who served as an opponent, to provide information and understanding of the other side.
According to Bwala, “The underlying principle in politics is to work for the people, not for a party.” This sentiment is in tune with the increasing call for togetherness in a nation that is deeply polarized along political party lines.
The PDP and one of its spokespersons’ reaction was as follows:
“This appointment calls political commitments and its integrity into question.” Are we really supposed to trust a person who so easily and quickly changes sides?
It shows that business and political orientations in Nigeria are very tactical, characterized by constant switches in loyalty and affiliation. This dynamic raises important questions about the nature of political engagement in Nigeria.
As he said, ‘‘Politics is not an ideology war; it is a search for solutions to the public’s needs.’’ Perhaps that message will be well received by a population increasingly disenchanted with politics as usual and more interested in results.
The people will expectantly receive Bwala since he has been an antagonist of the Tinubu government. He will need to convince them that with the new position, he will not abandon accountability and transparency measures. ‘This is the reason why I am here—to serve the people, and that will always be my focus,’ Bwala said in a message that underlined his commitment to public services.
The recent appointment of Daniel Bwala as the media aide to President Tinubu is perhaps one of the most significant political developments in Nigeria.
It reveals the relative nature of political allegiance and the importance of communication in the political process in particular and in society in general. As Bwala begins his new assignment, what his appointment means will emerge, which could alter the political configuration in Nigeria.
Read more
- Opportunity To Invêst In Nigerian Aviation Industry — Dr Charles Awuzie
- Tinubu Sparks Mix Feelings as His Government Proposes N47 Trillion Budget for 2025
- Bello Turji: Sokoto on Fire as Terr0rists Thre@ten Each Other
The next few months will be critical if Bwala is to build his profile in his new role and respond to problems affecting the Tinubu presidency. This would help him in government considering that his work will focus on ensuring that all the divided parties come to a common ground.
