Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, has reacted to widespread reactions that followed his appearance on Al Jazeera’s programme Head to Head. He said he remains willing to defend the current administration anywhere in the world.
Bwala featured on the programme hosted by Mehdi Hasan. During the discussion, he responded to questions about the policies of the Nigerian government and comments he made in the past about President Tinubu.
The episode examined Tinubu’s administration under the theme “Nigeria: ‘Renewed Hope’ or ‘Hopelessness’?” During the interview, Hasan presented several past statements and video clips from Bwala’s time in the opposition. At that time, Bwala supported the presidential campaign of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar.
The host referred to a remark dated January 22, 2023. In that statement, Bwala was said to have accused Tinubu of creating a militia to influence the election. However, the presidential aide denied making such a claim.
Hasan also cited other remarks that criticised the president. Bwala rejected those claims during the discussion.
The interviewer also raised questions about Tinubu’s anti-corruption credentials. He pointed to the appointment of Abubakar Bagudu as Minister of Budget and Economic Planning.
The interview later circulated widely on social media. Clips from the exchange attracted strong reactions online.
Bwala responded through a statement posted on his X account. He said the reactions on social media prompted him to explain his position.
“In the last 24 hours, social media has exploded over my interview with Mehdi Hassan, albeit with varied opinions. Let me set the record straight,” he said.
He explained that he accepted his role in the administration with full awareness of its demands.
“When I signed on to the privileged job granted to me by Mr. President, I was well aware of its implications… I am prepared to appear before any interviewer, anywhere in the world, any day and at any time, to defend this government and its policies,” he said.
Bwala also said he does not avoid difficult interviews.
“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.
According to him, the programme’s producers initially informed him that the discussion would focus on security, the economy, and corruption. He said he was not told that his past statements would become a major subject of the interview.
He also criticised the questioning style used during the programme. Bwala claimed that some quotes attributed to organisations during the discussion were inaccurate.
“I refused to swallow the pill of Mehdi’s ‘opposition research-style journalism,’” he said. He added that some claims mentioned in the interview amounted to “outright fake news.”
Speaking about earlier criticism of Tinubu, Bwala said those comments came when he was part of the opposition.
“It is all politics,” he said.
He added that similar situations have occurred in other governments. He noted that some members of former United States President Donald Trump’s cabinet had criticised the leader before serving in his administration.
Bwala also dismissed criticism from political opponents. He argued that their reactions were driven by partisan interests.
At the same time, he said those critics could appear on the same programme to defend their own policies.
The presidential aide thanked Nigerians and others who praised his performance during the interview.
He also expressed respect for Mehdi Hasan. Bwala described the journalist as “arguably the best debater on the planet.”
He said he would welcome another appearance on the programme.
“I look forward to part two of the Head-to-Head interview,” he said, adding that he hopes future discussions will focus more on the government’s policies and achievements.
