By Sabiu Abdullahi
Daniel Bwala, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Policy Communication, has responded to the criticism that followed his recent appearance on Al Jazeera’s Head to Head programme.
He said he stands by his decision to defend the Tinubu administration during the interview with journalist Mehdi Hassan and has no regrets about taking part in the programme.
The interview, which aired on Thursday, generated strong reactions across social media platforms. Several clips circulated widely on X, where many commentators criticised Bwala’s performance and described it as embarrassing.
During the discussion, Hassan confronted Bwala with remarks he made in the past about President Tinubu before he defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress in 2023. In those earlier comments, Bwala had referred to Tinubu as corrupt, unfit to lead, and a drug baron.
At some points in the interview, Bwala disputed making certain statements. Hassan then presented video recordings of the remarks, which triggered further reactions and mockery online.
The Al Jazeera host also questioned Bwala on Nigeria’s worsening security situation. Hassan cited figures from reports published by Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch. Some critics later argued that Bwala did not counter those figures with independent data.
In a statement released on Saturday, Bwala said the backlash was expected. He claimed the criticism came largely from opposition supporters and insisted it would not distract him from his responsibilities in government.
“The majority of the naysayers are members of the opposition and their sympathisers. It does not bother me one bit. Their temporary excitement over the interview has not lasted and will not last, because it does not take away their obvious problem of lack of vision and mission in conducting and managing a political party.”
Bwala also rejected suggestions that his appearance on the programme was meant to impress viewers.
He said, “Selling ice cream, looking fine, and seeking the praises of men were never part of” his job description, he said, adding that promoting and defending the President and his administration was what he did “with ease and joy.”
The presidential aide stated that producers of the programme first contacted him nearly six months ago. He said they indicated interest in questioning the government on issues such as security, corruption, and the economy. According to him, they never informed him that the interview would include questions about his past political comments.
“Nowhere in our almost six months of communication did they mention that they were going to challenge my past. If that had been their plan, ethically and professionally, they were supposed to inform me so I could prepare my response. But that’s okay, ethically, that is on them, not on me.”
Bwala further accused Hassan of using what he described as “opposition research-style journalism.” He alleged that some of the statements presented during the interview were inaccurate, while others amounted to “outright fake news.” He said he would address those issues in detail later.
On the issue of his earlier criticism of President Tinubu, Bwala said political rivalry often leads to strong statements.
“I am glad those were things I said when I was in the opposition saddle with such zeal. It is all politics.
“Half of Donald Trump’s cabinet is made up of people who once spoke against him, and quite a number of people in our own cabinet also spoke against President Tinubu in the past. Those things do not bother him if you care to know.”
Bwala also criticised opposition parties. He said they lack a clear plan for governance and electoral success.
“They have no path to victory and no alternative policies or programme for the Nigerian people.
“And if they say they do, they can as well go to Head to Head and be interrogated on that.”
He stressed that he remains willing to face tough interviews in defence of the government.
“I have never, and will never, subscribe to ducking or dodging interviews on matters that concern promoting and defending the administration I was appointed to serve,” he said. “It is the least of what is required of me.”
Bwala also expressed interest in returning to the programme for another discussion. He said future conversations should focus on the government’s policies and achievements rather than his past political comments.
“I am glad that by then questions about my past will no longer be news so that we can focus on our administration’s policies, programs and what we have achieved so far,” he said.
Despite his criticism of how the interview was conducted, Bwala spoke positively about the Al Jazeera host.
He described Hassan as “arguably the best debater on the planet” and said he still respects and admires him.
