Daniel Bwala, the former spokesperson for Atiku Abubakar, who was the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the presidential election held in February 2023, revealed that he informed his former boss about his meeting with President Bola Tinubu.
“I informed Atiku Abubakar I was going to see the President,” Bwala said on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics programme.
“After I had seen the President, I informed him (Atiku) that I had just seen the President and he replied me that, ‘Thanks Daniel for notifying me’.”
Bwala, who strongly criticized Tinubu during his campaign as the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), clarified that his current support for the former governor of Lagos State, who emerged as the winner of the February 2023 presidential election, does not imply any betrayal towards Atiku.
“It’s absolute nonsense for somebody to say because I said I will support President Bola Tinubu therefore I betrayed Atiku,” the lawyer said matter-of-factly during the interview.
He was criticized for his sudden support for Tinubu, whom he had previously criticized during the 2023 political process.
In July 2022, Bwala, who was a member of the APC at the time, left the party when Tinubu announced his running mate as ex-Borno governor, Kashim Shettima. Bwala disagreed with Tinubu’s choice of a Muslim running mate and joined Atiku’s campaign instead.
Atiku, a Muslim and former Vice President, had chosen a Christian running mate, ex-Delta governor Ifeanyi Okowa. Bwala was a vocal spokesperson for Atiku during the campaign. However, he surprised Nigerians when he met with the President and declared his support for him.
Bwala has faced criticism for this decision, with many questioning his political ideology. However, Bwala believes that people have the right to change their ideology.
The lawyer, Bwala, stated that his role as Atiku’s spokesperson during the previous campaign was to act as a salesman, promoting Atiku and criticizing his competitors. However, Bwala has now changed his stance and clarified that he never claimed Tinubu was unfit to be Nigeria’s President. He now believes that since Atiku did not win, Tinubu would be suitable for the job.
When asked about his political affiliation, Bwala did not provide a clear answer. It is uncertain whether he is still a member of the PDP or if he has returned to the APC.
Bwala also mentioned that during his visit on Wednesday, the President did not promise him any position in his cabinet. However, Bwala expressed his willingness to work with the President in any capacity that serves the interests of the Nigerian people.
