“Some Social Media Users in Nigeria Have Mental Health Challenges” — Bwala

Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser on Policy Communications to President Bola Tinubu, has suggested that some Nigerians commenting on national issues via social media may be grappling with mental health challenges. Bwala made the statement during an interview on Channels TV while addressing speculation that President Tinubu’s recent trip to France was for medical treatment.

He dismissed the claims, clarifying that the president was on a working visit, not seeking medical care. “Sometimes on social media, somebody will be tweeting; you don’t even know who the person is. It can be somebody who has mental health somewhere. You just see that information is coming out,” he said. Bwala emphasized that the president’s engagements in France have been made public to keep Nigerians informed.

In the same interview, Bwala criticized Senator Ali Ndume, who represents Borno South, accusing him of contributing little despite his long tenure in the National Assembly. He warned the APC national leadership to be cautious of Ndume, claiming the lawmaker’s loyalty lies with opposition forces. “Senator Ali Ndume’s spirit and soul are with the coalition; it is his body that is in APC. He is already going,” Bwala said, urging the senator to emulate former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai by formally leaving the party rather than playing a double game.