Daniel Bwala, the newly appointed Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication, has raised alarm over what he described as an “overwhelming conspiracy” against him from certain television guests and anchors in the country. Bwala’s claims come amidst a series of controversies surrounding his appointment and public statements, which have sparked reactions both within his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the opposition.
Bwala, who was appointed to the key media role just last week, did not identify the specific individuals or groups behind the alleged conspiracy. However, his comments have already ignited discussions across media platforms and within political circles.
“When you come against an overwhelming conspiracy of some Television guests and anchors against you pushing an agenda and you are helpless; just pray to your God. He will expose them for who they are. It has started.” Bwala wrote on his social media platform, signaling his frustrations with the situation.
A Controversial Appointment Shakes Political Waters
Bwala’s appointment as one of President Bola Tinubu’s media aides has not been without controversy. His previous affiliation with the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during the 2023 general elections has raised eyebrows, particularly within the ruling APC. Many had questioned the wisdom of appointing someone with such recent opposition ties to a key position in the Presidential Media Team.
The appointment, which stirred political rumblings both inside and outside the APC, was seen as an unusual move for a president who had campaigned on promises of unity and inclusivity. Bwala, however, defended the appointment, stating that his experience and background in policy communication would be an asset in promoting the government’s objectives.
The situation took a further twist when Bwala made an unexpected announcement to State House correspondents, claiming that he had replaced former presidential spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, as President Tinubu’s official mouthpiece. This statement caught many off guard, as there was no prior indication that Ngelale had been removed or reassigned from his position.
Bwala’s announcement caused confusion in the corridors of power, leading to an immediate response from the Presidency. Hours later, a formal statement was issued, contradicting Bwala’s claim. The statement clarified that there was no single spokesperson for President Tinubu. Instead, it emphasized that all presidential media aides were working collectively for specific purposes, thus debunking Bwala’s assertion that he had taken over Ngelale’s role.
In his post, Bwala referred to the challenges he was facing as part of his new role. “When you come against an overwhelming conspiracy of some Television guests and anchors against you pushing an agenda and you are helpless; just pray to your God. He will expose them for who they are.” These remarks suggest that Bwala feels he is being unfairly targeted and that there are forces at work attempting to undermine his efforts.
It is unclear whether Bwala’s accusations refer to specific instances of media bias or coordinated attacks against him. However, his call for divine intervention implies a deep sense of frustration with the situation.
Despite these claims, Bwala has not yet revealed further details regarding the alleged conspiracy or named any individuals involved. However, his statement has raised questions about the nature of media-politician relations in Nigeria and the challenges faced by public figures in navigating public opinion and media scrutiny.
Political Fallout: A Divided APC and PDP
Bwala’s appointment and the subsequent controversies have also exposed divisions within the APC. His past affiliations with the PDP have made his transition to the ruling party a sensitive issue, with some APC members openly questioning his loyalty and trustworthiness. Some party members believe that Bwala’s previous role in the opposition might compromise his ability to effectively serve the interests of the APC government.
