I Never Said That!” – Bwala Denies Criticising Tinubu On Al Jazeera

Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, has denied ever criticising the president in the past.

Bwala made the clarification during an appearance on Al Jazeera’s programme Head to Head, hosted by Mehdi Hasan.

During the episode, which examined the Tinubu administration under the theme “Nigeria: ‘Renewed Hope’ or ‘Hopelessness’?”, Hasan confronted Bwala with past statements, quotes and video clips from when he was part of the opposition and aligned with former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar’s campaign.

When the host referred to a January 22, 2023 statement in which Bwala allegedly claimed that Tinubu had created a militia to influence the election, the presidential aide denied making such a remark.

Hasan also cited Bwala’s previous comments about suspicious cash movements into Tinubu’s residence during the election period, but Bwala again responded, “I never said that.”

“You said Tinubu started a militia to sway the election corruptly,” Hasan insisted during the exchange.

The host further referenced clips circulating on social media in which Bwala had reportedly claimed he was threatened by Tinubu or individuals within his political camp, including allegations of intimidation after he criticised the then-APC presidential candidate.

However, Bwala rejected those claims as well, repeatedly stating, “I never said that,” when questioned.

Explaining his change in stance, Bwala noted that he was part of the opposition at the time, adding that “the job of opposition is to oppose.”

He said those earlier remarks were part of political rhetoric and are no longer relevant now that he serves in the current administration defending the president.