Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, has hinted at deep cracks within the president’s media team, claiming some individuals close to Tinubu are unhappy with his role and actively worked against him.
Bwala alleged that certain people in the president’s orbit sponsored negative “hit pieces” against him during the fallout from his controversial Al Jazeera interview with Mehdi Hasan, in a bid to turn the president against him.
Speaking recently, Bwala suggested the campaign was designed to exploit the backlash from the high-profile interview, hoping President Tinubu would be convinced to sideline him and others working closely with the administration on communications.
The Mehdi Hasan interview, which went viral, saw Bwala repeatedly confronted with his past critical statements about Tinubu from his time in the opposition. The exchange drew widespread criticism online, with many accusing Bwala of denying or distancing himself from earlier remarks.
Bwala has since maintained that parts of the interview were misrepresented or selectively edited, while defending his current loyalty to the Tinubu administration.
His latest comments point to possible internal rivalries and power tussles within the president’s communication apparatus, a recurring feature in Nigerian presidential teams where multiple aides and unofficial spokespersons often compete for influence.
Neither the presidency nor other senior media aides have responded publicly to Bwala’s allegations of sabotage.
The remarks come as the Tinubu administration continues to face intense scrutiny over its economic policies, security challenges and overall performance, with communications strategy playing a central role in shaping public perception.
Political observers say such reported infighting could undermine efforts to present a unified front, especially as Nigeria approaches the midpoint of Tinubu’s four-year term and speculation about 2027 politics intensifies.
