Fresh political tension has emerged following comments by Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, who openly mocked the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr Peter Obi. Bwala described Obi as a “character-in-chief” and accused him of engaging in what he called political theatrics.
Bwala made the remarks during an interview on The Clarity Zone Podcast, hosted by popular media personality Chinedu Emmanuel, widely known as Nedu. The comments have since generated reactions across political circles and on social media, reopening debates around the conduct of political leaders and the lingering divisions from the 2023 general elections.
During the interview, Bwala said his comments were in response to a claim that Peter Obi had once referred to him as a “character.” He said Obi’s political style was more about drama than substance.
“In a movie, the actor is a character,” Bwala said. “But in this case, he is the character-in-chief, because what he is playing is what we call theatrics.”
According to Bwala, Obi painted a picture of a reality that could not exist, which he claimed was the basis of the hope sold to his supporters during the 2023 election campaign.
“You are demonstrating a fictitious picture of a reality that will never exist,” he said. “That was the hope he sold to his people.”
Bwala argued that the disappointment that followed Obi’s loss in the presidential election left many of his supporters unable to handle the outcome.
“So after the election, when reality dawned and he lost, they could not manage the picture of the fantasy that was painted in their minds,” he added.
Bwala did not limit his criticism to Obi alone. He also spoke harshly about Obi’s supporters, often referred to as the “Obidient” movement, saying many of them had become aggressive in public discussions.
“They are all over the media now,” he said. “They don’t have a particular platform where they stay. They migrate and abuse people.”
According to him, leadership is not easy and requires sacrifice, discipline, and patience, qualities he claimed many only understand when they are in power.
“Leadership is a sacrifice,” Bwala said. “All these politicians you see, from President Bola Tinubu and some others, do a lot of sacrifice to build a base that can resonate with the people.”
Peter Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, contested the 2023 presidential election on the platform of the Labour Party. His campaign gained strong support among young Nigerians, urban voters, and those calling for a break from traditional political structures.
Although Obi finished third in the election behind President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), his performance was seen as historic for a party that had little national presence before the election.
Since the polls, Obi and his supporters have continued to question the outcome of the election, while figures within the ruling APC have often dismissed his claims and political influence.
During the podcast, Bwala also responded to a claim attributed to Obi that he had never been to Anambra State. Bwala dismissed the claim, saying he was familiar with the state and could describe locations linked to Obi’s background.
“And he also said I have never been to Anambra,” Bwala said. “I can tell you the road that leads to his house. Peter Obi is from Agulu.”
He went on to mention several communities in Anambra, insisting that his knowledge of the area proved that Obi’s claim was false.
“From Nnewi, you have Umudim, Nnewichi, Uruagu, and Otolo,” he said. “I can take you to places in the East.”
Bwala’s most controversial remark came when he joked about a mentally unstable man whom Obi once mentioned in a public speech. Obi had earlier narrated how, during his time as governor of Anambra State, advice from a mentally unstable man helped him solve a major security challenge.
The story, which Obi shared during the build-up to the 2023 elections, was meant to show that wisdom can come from unexpected places and that leaders should listen carefully to people on the ground.
“I even know the junction where the madman that used to advise him used to stay,” Bwala said, adding that the location was close to Upper Iweka.
The remark has drawn criticism from some quarters, with observers saying such comments trivialize mental health issues and lower the tone of political discourse.
Bwala’s comments are the latest in a series of verbal exchanges between figures aligned with the ruling APC and supporters of Peter Obi. Since assuming office, President Tinubu’s administration has faced criticism over economic hardship, rising cost of living, and insecurity, while opposition figures continue to question government policies.
Some political observers believe such exchanges distract from governance and national issues, while others argue they reflect Nigeria’s deeply competitive political culture.
Civil society groups and commentators have called on political leaders and government officials to adopt a more respectful tone in public conversations, especially when discussing opponents and sensitive issues.
They argue that political disagreements should focus on policies and ideas rather than personal attacks, especially in a country facing serious economic and social challenges.
As of the time of this report, Peter Obi has not officially responded to Bwala’s remarks.
The exchange highlights the sharp divisions that remain after the 2023 presidential election. While President Tinubu’s supporters insist the election was won fairly, Obi’s supporters continue to demand reforms and accountability.