Atiku’s ex-aide, Bwala, officially switches to Tinubu’s camp, gets appointment
President Bola Tinubu has officially appointed Daniel Bwala as the special adviser on media and public communications for the State House.
This appointment marks a significant shift in Bwala’s political alignment, as he was previously a prominent aide to Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during the 2023 elections. Bwala’s transition from being a spokesperson for Atiku’s campaign to joining Tinubu’s administration has sparked considerable discussion and controversy within Nigerian political circles.
Who’s Daniel Bwala?
Daniel Bwala is a well-educated lawyer and public affairs analyst. He graduated from the University of Maiduguri in 2006 and later attended the Nigerian Law School in Abuja.
His professional career includes working at J-K Gadzama & Partners LLP, one of Nigeria’s leading law firms, before establishing his own firm, Bwala & Co.
In addition to his legal qualifications, he holds a Master of Laws (LLM) in International Business Law from Coventry University and is a member of the Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn.
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Bwala gained prominence as a political figure when he served as a spokesperson for Atiku Abubakar during the 2023 presidential campaign. His role involved articulating campaign messages and defending party positions against criticisms from rival parties, including Tinubu’s All Progressives Congress (APC). Following the election results, which saw Tinubu emerge victorious over Atiku, Bwala made headlines by switching allegiance to Tinubu’s camp.
Reactions to the appointment
The appointment has elicited mixed reactions on social media and among political commentators. Some view it as a strategic move by Tinubu to consolidate support from former opponents by bringing them into his administration. Critics argue that this reflects a lack of principled politics in Nigeria, where politicians frequently change allegiances based on personal or political gain rather than ideological consistency.
Supporters of Bwala’s appointment suggest that his experience and insights gained from working with Atiku could be beneficial for Tinubu’s administration in navigating public communications effectively. However, detractors question whether such appointments are consistent with calls for reducing government expenditure and streamlining governance.
Other appointments announced
Alongside Bwala’s appointment, President Tinubu also announced three other key appointments:
Olawale Olopade – Director-General of the National Sports Commission.
Dr. Abisoye Fagade – Director-General of the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism.
Dr. Adebowale Adedokun – Director-General of the Bureau of Public Procurement.
These appointments indicate Tinubu’s intent to fill critical roles within his administration with experienced individuals who have demonstrated expertise in their respective fields.
