Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, has fired back at Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, over his recent comments criticizing the state of democratic governance in Nigeria.
Obi, speaking on Monday at the 60th birthday colloquium of former Deputy Speaker Emeka Ihedioha in Abuja, lamented that Nigeria’s democratic progress since 1999 has been eroded under the current administration.
Reacting via an X post on Tuesday, Bwala dismissed Obi’s concerns, calling him a “failed politician” with no history of democratic activism.
“Peter Obi has no pedigree in democratic struggle. He simply rides populist waves without contributing to Nigeria’s democratic development,” Bwala stated.
The exchange adds to the intensifying political rhetoric between the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and opposition voices, as debates around governance, democratic accountability, and economic performance remain central to national discourse.
Obi’s remarks have been echoed by others who question the trajectory of democratic institutions in the Tinubu era, while the presidency continues to defend its commitment to rule of law and constitutional order.
Responding, Bwala said, “It is funny how failed politicians are trying to redefine democracy.
“Peter Obi said democracy has collapsed. Does he even know the meaning of democracy?
“When people were fighting for democracy, Gregory was buying and selling. He doesn’t have a history of any democratic activism from his school days to date.
“His expertise lies in instigating hate speech and vitriol. Talk is cheap.”