Bwala Sparks Outrage After Calling TV Interviewer A ‘Massage Therapist’ Over Peter Obi Debate

The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, has accused Channels Television anchor Seun Okinbaloye of displaying bias and applying different standards in his interviews with political figures.

Bwala’s criticism followed separate interviews conducted by Okinbaloye with the presidential aide and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

During Bwala’s appearance on Politics Today, the television host questioned him over comments he had made against Tinubu before joining the current administration. In a subsequent interview, Obi discussed several national issues, including his criticism of some of the Tinubu administration’s policies.

Reacting on his X account, Bwala alleged that Okinbaloye adopted a much softer approach while interviewing Obi.

According to him, the broadcaster abandoned tough questioning and instead became what he described as “a massage therapist.”

“Once again, as expected, the interviewer with double standards showed up as a massage therapist—no toughness, no creativity, no hard facts and no attempt to ask difficult questions. Yet the interview itself lacked substance,” Bwala wrote.

He further argued that no amount of media promotion could improve Obi’s political appeal, adding that the opposition figure failed to offer convincing ideas during the interview.

Bwala Dismisses Opposition

Speaking separately during another appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Bwala described opposition parties as lacking direction, insisting they had little to offer Nigerians.

His comments came while reacting to a letter from U.S. President Donald Trump to President Bola Tinubu.

According to a statement released by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Trump, in a letter dated July 6, 2026, commended Tinubu for strengthening cooperation with the United States and for his administration’s efforts to combat terrorism and improve security, particularly in communities affected by violent attacks.

Responding to the development, Bwala said Nigerians were more interested in the government’s performance than opposition politics.

“The opposition has become idle. Nigerians want to hear about the issues affecting their daily lives, not endless political distractions,” he said.

He argued that the Tinubu administration had recorded measurable progress in key sectors, particularly the economy and national security.

According to Bwala, the letter from the U.S. president reflects growing international recognition of Nigeria’s collaboration with the United States under Tinubu’s leadership.

He maintained that such diplomatic achievements deserved greater public attention, questioning why they had not dominated media discussions.

“This is the first time Nigeria has witnessed this level of strategic cooperation with the United States under President Tinubu. The commendation from the U.S. government is evidence that the partnership is producing results,” Bwala said.

He added that Nigerians deserve to be informed about developments that demonstrate progress in governance, security and international relations.