Daniel Bwala, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, has criticized Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, for his recent comments on Nigeria’s democratic state.
Bwala accused Obi of lacking a history of advocating for democracy, arguing that he has only engaged in business ventures and does not understand democratic principles.
Obi had previously stated that democracy has deteriorated under the current administration.
Speaking at Emeka Ihedioha’s 60th birthday democracy colloquium in Abuja on Monday, he recalled how former President Olusegun Obasanjo and ex-Senate President Ken Nnamani intervened to prevent his impeachment as Anambra State governor.
He contrasted that era with the present, alleging that while the judiciary was relatively independent under Obasanjo and the late President Musa Yar’Adua, a governor was recently suspended under the current leadership.
Obi’s remarks conflicted with those of Catholic Archbishop of Sokoto, Matthew Hassan Kukah, who argued that democracy in Nigeria was still evolving rather than failing.
In response, Bwala took to 𝕏 (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, accusing Obi of using divisive rhetoric. He questioned Obi’s understanding of democracy and dismissed his comments as mere political posturing.
“Failed politicians are now attempting to redefine democracy,” Bwala wrote.
“When others were fighting for democracy, Gregory (Obi) was engaged in buying and selling. He has no history of democratic activism from his school days till now.
His expertise lies in spreading hate speech. Talk is cheap.”