Ndume Troubled, Needs Prayers, Says Daniel Bwala

Daniel Bwala, the newly appointed Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Public Communication, responded on Monday to comments from Senator Ali Ndume. Ndume had called on Bwala to apologise for his past criticism of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the choice of Vice President Kashim Shettima as Tinubu’s running mate during the 2023 elections.

Speaking at the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja during his first media briefing since his appointment, Bwala dismissed Ndume’s statement, emphasizing his positive relationship with Shettima. Bwala explained, “Ordinarily, I would not have responded to this, but when I was informed about what he said, I contacted the Vice President. We both laughed about it. I have a fantastic relationship with the Vice President, which started before the court judgment on the matter. Our bond grew stronger during the emergence of the National Assembly leadership.”

However, Bwala added, “I know the senator in question is going through troubled times. We need to pray for him, for God to guide and help him. Our focus is on the President’s agenda. This is not about me; it’s about the President.”

Bwala’s appointment as Tinubu’s official spokesperson has sparked debate due to his past role as a spokesperson for Atiku Abubakar’s 2023 presidential campaign, during which he was a vocal critic of Tinubu and the APC. His new role is one of three media-related appointments under Tinubu, alongside veteran journalist Bayo Onanuga and former Sports Minister Sunday Dare.

Addressing concerns about overlapping responsibilities among the advisers, Bwala stated, “There is no issue regarding role clarity. Everyone knows their responsibilities. I’m not here to define anyone else’s role but to focus on mine. We are all working collectively to achieve the President’s mandate.”