Daniel Bwala faces backlash after Al Jazeera interview
On March 7, 2026, Daniel Bwala, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, found himself at the center of controversy following an interview with Mehdi Hasan on Al Jazeera. During the interview, Bwala addressed various issues, including the state of insecurity in Nigeria, which has been a pressing concern for the government and citizens alike.
In the interview, Bwala faced criticism for his comments regarding President Tinubu and the security situation in Nigeria. He denied making critical remarks about Tinubu prior to his appointment, stating, “Tinubu didn’t create a militia, and I never said that.” This denial came in response to accusations that he had previously suggested the president was involved in creating a militia to influence the 2023 election.
Despite the backlash, Bwala maintained that the situation regarding insecurity in Nigeria is not worsening. He insisted, “I don’t agree to the fact that it (insecurity) is getting worse,” arguing that the government is actively addressing the issue. Bwala acknowledged the presence of insecurity but emphasized that it should be viewed in a global context, suggesting that similar challenges exist in other countries.
Furthermore, Bwala pointed out that the Nigerian government has strengthened security cooperation with several countries to combat the evolving threat of kidnapping, which he described as a lucrative criminal enterprise in parts of Nigeria. His comments reflect an attempt to contextualize the security challenges faced by the nation within a broader framework.
This interview comes in the wake of Bwala’s previous role as part of the opposition during the election cycle, where his earlier statements were often seen as political rhetoric. His transition to a government position has raised questions about his previous criticisms and the consistency of his views.
Reactions to Bwala’s interview have been mixed, with some supporting his stance on the government’s efforts to tackle insecurity, while others have criticized him for downplaying the severity of the situation. The backlash highlights the ongoing tensions between the government and opposition voices in Nigeria.
As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how Bwala’s comments will impact public perception of the government’s handling of insecurity. Details remain unconfirmed regarding any further actions or statements from Bwala or the government in response to the criticism.