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  • Tinubu’s Türkiye visit strategic, not routine — Bwala

    Tinubu’s Türkiye visit strategic, not routine — Bwala

    The Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, has described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ongoing state visit to Türkiye as a strategic and highly consequential engagement, dismissing suggestions that it is a routine foreign trip.

    Speaking with journalists on the sidelines of the visit, Bwala said the trip was at the invitation of the Turkish government, a gesture he said underscores Nigeria’s growing diplomatic influence under President Tinubu’s leadership.

    According to him, President Tinubu’s stature as a former leader of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and Nigeria’s strategic importance on the African continent shaped the level of reception and expectations surrounding the visit.

    “This is not just another trip. It is a strategic visit, first because it is by invitation of the Turkish government. The President of Nigeria is a person of influence in Africa, and Nigeria itself plays a strong role on the continent. With the breakthroughs we are recording in the economy, security and governance, this visit carries significant weight,” Bwala said.

    Bwala explained that the state visit would formally begin with a series of engagements from Tuesday, during which Nigeria and Türkiye would explore areas of mutual interest, particularly in defence, security and economic cooperation.

    He disclosed that key Ministers accompanying the President are scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with their Turkish counterparts, aimed at strengthening collaboration across critical sectors.

    The presidential aide also highlighted President Tinubu’s international standing, noting that his leadership style has helped to strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic relations globally, including renewed engagement with major partners such as the United States, following earlier diplomatic challenges.

    He cited the recently concluded diplomatic engagements with the United Arab Emirates as evidence of Nigeria’s renewed momentum on the global stage, adding that the Türkiye visit builds on those gains.

    Bwala further emphasised Türkiye’s historical strengths in defence and security, particularly its capacity to manufacture advanced military hardware relevant to Nigeria’s security needs, while noting areas where Nigeria has also provided support to Türkiye over the years.

    Describing the visit as “a meeting of shared interests,” Bwala said both countries stand to benefit, adding that Turkish officials and citizens have shown excitement and optimism since President Tinubu’s arrival.

    He assured that details of specific agreements and deliverables from the talks would be communicated at the conclusion of the visit, which he said is expected to further consolidate Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives, deepen defence cooperation and unlock new economic opportunities in line with the administration’s agenda.

  • Bwala rallies over 100 support groups for Tinubu’s 2027 re-election drive

    Bwala rallies over 100 support groups for Tinubu’s 2027 re-election drive

    …says Nigeria is now on the path to recovery

    Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Media and Public Communication, Dr Daniel Bwala, has begun renewed strategic engagements with more than 100 support groups nationwide, in a move aimed at consolidating grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    At a “Meet and Greet with the spokesman” session held Tuesday evening in Abuja, Bwala said the interaction was part of efforts to sustain the political momentum behind President Tinubu and strengthen citizen participation in his administration’s reform agenda.

    “We thought that as part of the strategy to spread the gains of this administration, it is good we connect with the source—the support groups—engage with them, appreciate what they have been doing, and then ask them to do more for the love of the country and for the love of the President,” Bwala told journalists after the meeting.

    He said the meeting provided an avenue to receive feedback from grassroots stakeholders on key issues affecting citizens and the administration’s reform trajectory. 

    “We are moving away from renewed hope to recovery, and that recovery must be felt in their own lives,” he added.

    Bwala noted that leaders of the support groups came from all parts of Nigeria, with some participants arriving from the United Kingdom. 

    He disclosed that the engagements would soon extend to the diaspora, with town hall meetings planned for the UK, the United States, and Canada.

    “Hopefully, by November, when we have the first town hall with the progressives and all support groups across platforms, we will determine the frequency of our engagements. It’s all about governance. People wait until election time to seek support groups. That is not right. They are not tools to be used; they are partners in the process,” he explained.

    The presidential aide maintained that President Tinubu views support groups as vital partners in governance and nation-building, not just instruments of political campaigns. 

    “Unlike other politicians, the President believes the groups, especially the youths, must be part of the governance and the progress of the administration,” he said.

    Reflecting on the administration’s record, Bwala asserted that “over the last two years, as the President restructured the economy, we are seeing the fruits. When we prepare everyone and go to the field, you will see across all platforms—economy, security, job creation, education, infrastructure, and agriculture—that these groups will continue to carry the message.”

    He insisted that President Tinubu’s leadership has earned him the right to seek the continued support and affection of Nigerians. 

    Read Also: Bwala clarifies ‘no-man’s land’ comment, acknowledges Lagos as Yoruba land

    “In my humble opinion, Mr. President has done enough at this time, as far as governance is concerned, to demand not just the people’s support, but their love and commitment to what his government has started,” he said.

    Also speaking at the event, former lawmaker Hon. Ehiozuwa Johnson Agbonayinma, expressed confidence that President Tinubu would be re-elected in 2027, citing his administration’s “superlative performance” across key sectors.

    “Whether you like it or not, Mr. President, come 2027, will be re-elected. That’s the confirmation you can take away from this wonderful meeting. Yes, we are not where we used to be, and we are not yet where we ought to be, but we are progressing. The President is doing everything to fast-track that progression”, Agbonayinma said.

    Agbonayinma praised the removal of fuel subsidy as one of Tinubu’s boldest reforms, noting that the trillions of naira saved are now being channelled to states for grassroots development.

    He called on all Nigerians to join hands in consolidating the nation’s progress, stressing that “collective responsibility is essential to sustain the gains of this administration and to move Nigeria forward.”

    The purpose of the event was to gather insights from the President’s diverse network of support groups for onward transmission to the President, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to inclusive governance and grassroots participation in policy communication.

    Among the notable groups represented were the Tinubu Support Group (TSG), Tinubu Door-2-Door, National Progressives Hub (NPH), The Asiwaju Group (TAG), Nigeria Diaspora for Asiwaju (NDA), Advocate for Good Governance (AGG), BAT Vanguard, Renewed Hope HQ, BAT Ambassadors, and The Think-Tinubu Initiative (3TI). 

    Others included Renewed Hope Agenda Advocacy, Youth Alliance 4 Tinubu & Shettima (YATS), Pragmatic Elites for Asiwaju & Shettima (PREFAS), City Boy Movement, PBAT Academics & Professors, Progressive Alliance, Tinubu School 2 School, PBAT Media Centre, Tinubu National Alliance, and the APC National Support Group, among others — all reaffirming their commitment to sustaining the Renewed Hope Agenda and amplifying the administration’s reform successes across the country.

  • Bwala clarifies ‘no-man’s land’ comment, acknowledges Lagos as Yoruba land

    Bwala clarifies ‘no-man’s land’ comment, acknowledges Lagos as Yoruba land

    The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, has clarified his earlier remark describing Lagos as a “no-man’s land,” which sparked criticism following his appearance on Arise Television on Wednesday.

    Reacting to the backlash in a post on his official X handle, Bwala admitted that Lagos is historically and constitutionally the land of the Yoruba people.

    He explained that his statement had been misinterpreted, stressing that the identity of Lagos has “never been in contention” and should not be distorted.

    While noting that Lagos remains Nigeria’s foremost commercial hub, Bwala said his intention was not to question its ownership but to highlight its role as an economic melting pot for the country.

    Read Also: Wike, Keyamo, Bwala knock coalition, ADC

    While explaining his position further, Bwala wrote on X: “Don’t misinterpret what I said in my interview this morning.

    “Culturally, historically, and constitutionally, Lagos belongs to the Yoruba people, and that has never been in contention. The unique identity of Lagos as a Yoruba homeland is settled and beyond dispute.

    “What I emphasised was the special place Lagos occupies in Nigeria and indeed West Africa — a city that, much like New York, Paris, or London, serves as the commercial nerve centre of our economy. Lagos provides every Nigerian, regardless of origin, a level playing field to thrive, and in this sense, it mirrors the diversity of our nation while remaining firmly rooted in Yoruba heritage.

    “My argument was, therefore, and justifiably so, for massive investments in infrastructure to sustain the economic and social responsibilities Lagos has shouldered on behalf of Nigeria.

    “Any President who truly seeks to succeed must critically support Lagos, not because it is ‘no man’s land,” but because it is the heartbeat of the nation’s development.”

  • Wike, Keyamo, Bwala knock coalition, ADC

    Wike, Keyamo, Bwala knock coalition, ADC

    Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike described the defectors to ADC  as expired politicians.

    The minister said “those politicians have refused to see anything good in the current administration.”

    He spoke during the inauguration of a project executed by the TInubu Administration in Abuja yesterday.

    Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo (SAN) last night said the new political coalition that joined the ADC poses no threat to the ruling APC.

    In a post on X, he stated: “The emergence of ADC as presently constituted marks the formal dismemberment of the PDP, hitherto Nigeria’s strongest opposition party.

    “Majority of the old guard in the PDP (who have apparently lost control of the Party) have been pushed out of the party by the Younger Turks within the PDP.

    “That is why the gathering today was a conglomerate of ‘former this’ and ‘former that’ of the PDP. No matter how you look at it, this is just Atiku’s faction of PDP in desperate search for the 2027 Presidential ticket – nothing more, nothing less.

    “The other addition to the so-called ‘coalition’ is a sprinkling of APC members who actually worked against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the last election and one or two APC leaders who lost their constituencies to opposition parties in 2023.

    READ ALSO; ROLL CALL: Atiku, El-Rufai, Malami, Tambuwal, others attend ADC coalition unveiling

    “Their movement therefore takes NOTHING away from the APC. It is actually better for the APC because it is just a case of totally extracting the germ that was eating the cola nut from within.

    “The person who the old, cunning guards want to take for a ride in all of this is Peter Obi. They want his votes but don’t want to give him their Presidential ticket, because this is Atiku’s show simpliciter. That is why David Mark is the interim Chairman. Those who know politics know what I am saying.

    “But if you do not give Peter Obi the Presidential ticket, you lose his supporters. It is as simple as that. And how can you make someone who won two regions in the last election (Southeast and Southsouth) a running mate to the person who won only one region (Northeast)?

    “Therefore, when the dust settles, you will discover that PDP and the Labour Party have lost something, the ADC has only gained something like a caricature, but the APC has lost ABSOLUTELY nothing.

    “What this all means is that since the 2023 elections, the APC has become stronger, whilst the opposition parties have been fragmented and have become weaker.

    “Those who have defected to the APC since 2023 (the Governors, Senators, Honourable members, etc) put side-by-side with a small handful who have left the APC, who would you rather have in your ranks? That is where lies the key to the whole analysis.

    “For now, let us face governance and allow them to exercise their constitutional right to associate and assemble.

    Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, also dismissed the group as a futile enterprise driven by disgruntled politicians.

    He took to his X handle to describe the political realignment as “a dead on arrival party,” populated by what he called an “association of wild goose chasers.”

    “Association of wild goose chasers, consisting of internally displaced politicians forming a dead on arrival party; better described in the words of @PeterObi as ‘structure of criminality,’” Bwala wrote in the post.

    Otti dissociates himself from anti-Tinubu alliance

    Abia State Governor  Alex Otti says he has no plan to join any coalition to defeat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general election.

     Otti also denounced rumours that he intends to dump the  Labour Party (LP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC). 

    I’m still a member of the Labour Party and I’m not looking for where to defect  to. I am happy where I am,’’  he told members of the state global economic council in Umuahia yesterday.

    On the coalition movement, the governor said:  A lot of people have been asking me: ‘Are you a member of the coalition?’  

    ‘’My response is, have you seen my name? Have you seen me attending the coalition meetings?

    “We are just busy doing the work that Abia people have given us. So, we are not attending any coalition meeting, I have not attended any one, and nobody has invited me.

    “We had issues, if you don’t have issues, you are dead…  When we had our problems, we fought in the Supreme Court and retrieved our party at the Supreme Court. I believe that a few issues that remain would be resolved very soon because the Supreme Court judgment was very, very clear.” 

    Adeleke, Osun PDP reject coalition

    Osun PDP Chairman Sunday Bisi said Governor Ademola Adeleke would not join the coalition.

    Speaking in Osogbo, the state capital, Bisi said: “We(Adeleke and his supporters) remain with PDP. We are in PDP, we are not going anywhere. I can assure you, we are not going anywhere.

    “We are in democracy. Before APC came to power in 2016, they also formed a coalition. There’s nothing wrong with those people coming together to form a coalition.”

    Reacting to Atiku’s remark that PDP is too weak to win any election, the Osun PDP chairman said: “I wouldn’t know, let us wait and see. I wouldn’t agree with him. This will not be the first time Atiku will leave PDP and PDP won in his absence.”

  • He has very shallow knowledge of economics, politics, Bwala slams Obi

    He has very shallow knowledge of economics, politics, Bwala slams Obi

    The Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, has sharply criticised former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, accusing him of lacking a deep understanding of economic policy and governance. 

    Bwala made the remarks in a post on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle, following Obi’s interview on Arise Television earlier in the day.

    Reacting to Obi’s comments on key policy issues—particularly the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of Nigeria’s foreign exchange rates—Bwala said the former Anambra Governor offered no credible alternatives while conceding agreement with the Tinubu administration’s broad economic direction.

    “He seems to have very shallow knowledge of economics and governance. Anybody with a rational mind knows these guys are just looking to grab power; but they don’t have any alternative agenda,” Bwala wrote.

    In the interview, Obi stated that he supported the removal of fuel subsidy, a major reform undertaken by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in May 2023, but insisted he would have handled it differently.

    “I have consistently maintained that I would have removed the fuel subsidy. If you go to my manifesto, it is there and the steps I would have taken in an organised manner,” Obi said.

    Bwala, however, dismissed Obi’s claim, suggesting the former candidate merely danced around the issue when pressed for specifics. 

    Read Also: Tinubu committed to inclusive governance — Bwala

    “He agreed with our policy of removal of subsidy and unifications of the foreign exchange; he claimed he would have done it better than us in an ‘organized manner’. He was asked what is the ‘organized manner.’ He played with words yet to arrive at agreeing with us,” Bwala wrote.

    Obi, in his interview, had emphasized that the real problem was not the removal of subsidy itself but the way the policy was executed.

    The former presidential hopeful questioned the Tinubu administration’s use of the supposed savings from the subsidy removal.

    “Since we were told that we removed it because we don’t want to borrow and that the funds will allow for investments in critical infrastructure—billions saved—where is it? Where is it invested in critical areas of development?” Obi asked.

    Bwala’s criticism extended to the tone and nature of the interview itself, claiming that the Arise TV host, whom he referred to as “a member of his Obidient movement,” had given Obi an easy ride. 

  • Peter Obi still struggling with 2023 defeat – Bwala

    Peter Obi still struggling with 2023 defeat – Bwala

    Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala. has stated that Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, is yet to recover from the “painful defeat” he suffered in the last general election.

    Bwala made this remark in a post on his X page on Wednesday, in response to Obi’s Tuesday interview on Arise TV, where he made sarcastic remarks while assessing President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

    According to Bwala, Obi’s comments lacked facts and logical analysis, describing his delivery as “abysmal”.

    “As I listen to Peter Obi this evening struggling to play the opposition (oppose the government), I can’t help but shudder at his abysmal delivery.“He was speaking devoid of facts, logical analysis, and almost sounded like a tinkling cymbal or a sounding brass,” he wrote.

    Bwala further claimed that Nigeria “dodged a bullet” by not electing Obi as president, suggesting that the former Anambra Governor is now “deserted in the banana republic of fantasy. 

  • Presidential aide Bwala slams ‘failed politician’ Peter Obi

    Presidential aide Bwala slams ‘failed politician’ Peter Obi

    Special Adviser to the President on Media and Policy, Daniel Bwala, has described former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) Peter Obi, as a failed politician.

    Bwala claimed that Obi does not even know the meaning of democracy.

    The statement comes after the former Anambra Governor claimed that democracy in Nigeria had collapsed.

    While speaking at the 60th birthday colloquium of former Deputy Speaker Emeka Ihedioha, in Abuja on Monday, Obi stated that the progress made since Nigeria’s return to civilian rule in 1999 had been eroded.

    “If you look at where we are today, it’s like they (the PDP) started in 1999 and laid the foundation. Some people came and took it to the deck, and some people were trying to take it to the first floor when some people came and knocked everything down,” Obi said.

    Read Also: Tinubu congratulates Daniel Bwala on 50th birthday 

    But Bwala on his official X handle slammed the Ex-Governor, questioning his understanding of democracy.

    He said that when pro-democracy activists were fighting against military regimes, Obi, whom he described as a failed politician, was engaged in buying and selling.

    “It is funny how failed politicians are trying to re-define democracy. @PeterObi said democracy has collapsed. Does he even know the meaning of democracy. 

    “When people were fighting for democracy, Gregory was buying and selling. He doesn’t have a history of any democratic activism from his school days to date. His expertise lies in instigating hate speech and vitriol,” Bwala said.

  • Why I decided to serve in Tinubu-led govt, by Bwala

    Why I decided to serve in Tinubu-led govt, by Bwala

    Presidential aide Daniel Bwala defended his decision to serve in President Bola Tinubu’s administration during a heated live interview on Tuesday with Arise Television anchor Rufai Oseni.

    When questioned about his previous vocal criticism of the government, Bwala responded sharply, saying, “Don’t ask me questions like I’m a secondary student.”

    Oseni pressed further, implying that Bwala’s decision might be politically convenient. 

    In defense, Bwala asserted that his choice was driven by national interest.

    “My decision to serve is based on national interest, not personal gain. People evolve, perspectives change, and governance is about making an impact,” Bwala stated.

    The exchange sparked significant reactions on social media.

    One X user, @MezieAbi, criticized Bwala, drawing parallels between him and other political figures who had previously criticized Tinubu but later aligned with his administration.

    Read Also: Bwala: El-Rufai can’t unsettle Tinubu

    Another user, @Palermo_seun, took a different stance, cautioning Oseni to maintain journalistic professionalism.

    “But you know every journalist can’t be slaves to the politicians,” countered @sola_ogunlola, defending the need for hard-hitting interviews with public officials.

    The incident continues to fuel debates about political allegiance and journalistic integrity.

  • Why I criticised Tinubu in the past – Bwala

    Why I criticised Tinubu in the past – Bwala

    The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Policy, Daniel Bwala, has acknowledged that his past criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration stemmed from his position as a member of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    Speaking on Arise TV’s The Morning Show, Bwala explained: “I criticised Tinubu’s election and administration in the past because I was in the opposition. The opposition’s work is to criticise the sitting government and hold them accountable. My views changed after I met the President, and he saw a need to appoint me.”

    Before his appointment, Bwala had accused Tinubu of election rigging and predicted challenges with moral legitimacy for his presidency.

    In a post on X, Bwala wrote: “Although the presumption of law is in favour of Tinubu until the final determination of the election tribunal and appeals, he will struggle with moral legitimacy (because he rigged the election) for 240 days of his presidency.”

    Read Also: Bwala: El-Rufai can’t unsettle Tinubu

    He also accused prominent figures of clandestinely supporting Tinubu for cultural and tribal reasons.

    In May 2023, during an interview with Arise Television, Bwala described Tinubu as a “president-select” rather than a “president-elect,” alleging that the Independent National Electoral Commission manipulated election results.

    “We are in court to say it was a rigged process. As long as there is no final determination of the matter, we have every right under law, equity, and justice to express our opinion that he is a president-select and not a president-elect,” Bwala declared.

    Despite his prior skepticism, Bwala’s position has shifted following his engagement with the President, leading to his current role in the administration.

  • Your criticism of Tinubu administration out of vengeance, not patriotism, Bwala tells El-Rufai

    Your criticism of Tinubu administration out of vengeance, not patriotism, Bwala tells El-Rufai

    Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, has accused former Kaduna Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, of pursuing a “vengeance mission” rather than acting out of patriotism in his recent criticisms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. 

    Bwala made the assertion in a response to El-Rufai’s earlier post on his verified X handle, @BwalaDaniel, on Thursday.  

    Bwala, while expressing admiration for El-Rufai, questioned the motive behind the former Governor’s statements and actions.

    He said:  “My worry however is the motive behind your statements and actions; they are not borne out of patriotism, but need for vengeance. The opposition sees that singular element of vengeance as a veritable tool for your recruitment.”  

    The presidential aide also reminded El-Rufai of their shared history within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), noting they played significant roles in Tinubu’s emergence as the party’s presidential candidate ahead of the 2023 elections. 

    Bwala emphasized that his support for Tinubu predates the recent political developments, stating, “with respect, I am not a latter-day Asiwaju supporter. We both played our roles in his emergence as the candidate of the party ahead of the 2023 elections.”  

    He further highlighted the ideological differences within the party during its formative years, recalling that while El-Rufai was from the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) faction of the APC, he (Bwala) was from the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) faction. 

    “Before then, whilst you were from the CPC extraction of APC, I was from the ACN, which explains why I worked with Comrade Oshiomhole when he chaired the party amongst other things to protect the interest of Asiwaju, whom at the time you people vowed to retire from politics,” Bwala stated.  

    Bwala urged El-Rufai to abandon what he described as “melodramatic activities” and return to the APC to resolve any grievances he may have. 

    “I still think you don’t need all these melodramatic activities or a vengeance mission. Come back and resolve whatever you think is your grievances like a dignified man that you are,” he advised.  

    The presidential aide also reaffirmed the APC’s position as the dominant political party in Nigeria, describing it as “the only organized party with identifiable structures across the country.” 

    He added: “So if you are looking for any symbol of democracy, it is still in your party.”  

    In a heartfelt appeal, Bwala called on El-Rufai to return to the fold, saying, “please senior, come home; you have toiled all nights.”  

    The exchange between the two prominent APC figures has sparked reactions from political observers with many speculating on the implications of El-Rufai’s criticisms for the ruling party’s unity.