Daniel Bwala, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, has strongly criticized Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 elections, accusing him of spreading hate speech and attempting to redefine democracy. Bwala’s remarks came in response to Obi’s recent statement about the state of democracy in Nigeria.
Obi had recently expressed concerns about the state of democracy in the country, suggesting that democracy in Nigeria has collapsed. However, Bwala, a key ally of President Tinubu, did not hold back in his criticism, calling Obi’s comments misguided and questioning his understanding of what democracy truly means.
Bwala’s reaction to Obi’s comments was sharp and direct. In a series of tweets, he expressed disbelief at Obi’s statements, saying, “It is funny how failed politicians are trying to re-define democracy.” He accused Obi of lacking the knowledge to comment on the subject of democracy, pointing out that Obi has no history of democratic activism or involvement in the struggle for Nigeria’s democracy. Bwala went on to suggest that Obi’s focus has never been on promoting democratic ideals but rather on “instigating hate speech and vitriol.”
“Does he even know the meaning of democracy?” Bwala asked, implying that Obi’s remarks were uninformed and unworthy of serious consideration. He also reminded Obi and the public that when Nigerians were fighting for democracy, Peter Obi, whom Bwala referred to as “Gregory,” was allegedly absent from the struggle, focusing on his business ventures instead of political activism.
Bwala’s criticism appeared to be a pointed attack on Obi’s character, dismissing his political career and contributions to Nigeria’s democratic development. By referencing Obi’s business background, Bwala was questioning Obi’s commitment to the democratic process, suggesting that the Labour Party candidate’s political actions had always been driven by self-interest rather than a genuine desire to contribute to Nigeria’s democracy.
Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra State and a prominent figure in Nigerian politics, has long been an advocate for good governance, anti-corruption measures, and democratic reforms. His stance on democracy, especially in the aftermath of the 2023 presidential election, has focused on the need for greater transparency, fairness, and the strengthening of democratic institutions in Nigeria.
In his recent comments, Obi criticized the current state of democracy in the country, suggesting that it has collapsed due to the state of governance, election irregularities, and political repression. Obi’s remarks are consistent with his earlier criticisms of the electoral process, where he has accused the ruling government of undermining the principles of democracy.
Obi’s supporters have praised him for his vocal advocacy for democratic reforms and for challenging what he perceives as the corruption and dysfunction in Nigeria’s political system. However, critics, including Bwala, argue that Obi’s approach has been overly negative and divisive. Bwala’s accusation of Obi instigating hate speech is a reflection of a broader criticism by some political figures, who claim that Obi’s rhetoric, especially following the election, has been harmful and contributed to political polarization in the country.
Daniel Bwala, as Special Adviser to President Tinubu, plays a critical role in the communication strategy of the administration. Known for his outspoken and often combative style, Bwala has been a staunch defender of the government’s policies and decisions. His latest comments about Obi are part of a broader political rivalry that has emerged between the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition parties, including the Labour Party.
Bwala’s criticism of Obi also comes in the context of the political tension that has followed the 2023 presidential election, where Obi ran as the Labour Party’s candidate and challenged the eventual winner, President Bola Tinubu. The election was contentious, with accusations of electoral fraud and irregularities, and Obi’s supporters have continued to question the legitimacy of Tinubu’s victory.
In his capacity as a key policy communicator for the President, Bwala’s comments reflect the ongoing tensions between the ruling party and opposition figures. His remarks are likely to further inflame political divisions, with each side accusing the other of undermining democracy and promoting discord among the Nigerian people.
Despite Bwala’s sharp criticisms, Peter Obi remains an influential figure in Nigerian politics. His popularity surged during the 2023 elections, especially among the youth and urban populations, who were drawn to his message of change, transparency, and a break from the traditional political elites. Obi’s Labour Party also gained significant traction, securing a strong position in the National Assembly and making inroads in regional politics.
Obi’s supporters, particularly the “Obidients,” have remained loyal to him, continuing to push for electoral reforms and greater accountability in Nigerian governance. These supporters are likely to dismiss Bwala’s comments as an attempt to silence dissent and distract from the issues that Obi has raised about Nigeria’s democracy.
While Obi’s political future remains uncertain, his continued influence and the support of a significant portion of the electorate suggest that he will remain a key player in Nigerian politics for years to come. His ability to challenge the political status quo and advocate for democratic reforms will likely keep him in the public eye, even as he faces criticism from political opponents like Bwala.
The exchange between Daniel Bwala and Peter Obi highlights the deepening political divide in Nigeria. As the ruling APC and the opposition Labour Party continue to clash over issues of governance, democracy, and political integrity, such public exchanges are likely to become more frequent.
Bwala’s attack on Obi reflects broader concerns about the direction of Nigerian politics, with both sides accusing the other of undermining the democratic process. As Nigeria continues to grapple with political instability, calls for greater democratic reforms and transparency are likely to remain central to the national discourse.
