Daniel Bwala, former spokesperson for Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the 2023 presidential election, has met with President Bola Tinubu in Paris, France. This encounter comes just three weeks after Bwala’s visit to the President in Aso Villa Abuja.
Bwala, once a vocal critic of Tinubu during the 2023 politicking process, expressed pleasure at the meeting, stating, “It was a pleasure to meet with the father of the nation President Bola Tinubu in Paris today (Monday). He continues to share his thoughts and demonstrate his passion to lead Nigeria out of the woods.”
The lawyer’s political journey took a surprising twist on January 10, 2024, when he met with President Tinubu at Aso Villa, declaring his unalloyed support for the ex-governor of Lagos State, who emerged as the winner of the February 2023 presidential poll.
Bwala, who had been a staunch APC member, left the party in July 2022 after disagreeing with Tinubu’s choice of a Muslim running mate. He then joined Atiku’s campaign, criticizing Tinubu throughout the electoral process. However, following Atiku’s defeat, Bwala shifted his allegiance to Tinubu, insisting that his change in support did not equate to betrayal.
Facing a barrage of criticisms for his swift about-face, Bwala defended his stance, stating, “even ideology, you have the right to change ideology.” He clarified that his role as Atiku’s spokesman during the campaign was that of a salesman, tasked with promoting Atiku and demarketing competitors.
During the Paris meeting, Bwala emphasized that the President did not promise him any appointment in his cabinet, but he expressed his willingness to work with Tinubu in any capacity offered, claiming it would be in the interest of the Nigerian people.
The unexpected alliance between Bwala and Tinubu continues to raise eyebrows, leaving many questioning the lawyer’s political ideology and motives behind his sudden change of allegiance.