Bwala To Obi: “You Were Trading in Asia During June 12!”
Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser on Policy Communication to President Bola Tinubu, has launched a scathing attack on Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, over his criticism of the current administration and commentary on Nigeria’s democratic journey.
Obi had used his Democracy Day message to urge President Tinubu to emulate former leaders Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and Goodluck Jonathan, referencing their humility in power. He challenged Tinubu to admit that the process that brought him to office in 2023 was flawed and criticized the current state of democracy under Tinubu’s watch.
But Bwala, a former Tinubu critic turned presidential spokesman, fired back on Friday via a post on X (formerly Twitter), claiming that Obi had no moral or historical standing to comment on June 12, 1993 — the pivotal date in Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle.
“Please can someone confirm to me whether it is true that on June 12, 1993 and weeks after that, @PeterObi was in Malaysia or somewhere in Asia doing buying and selling trading business?” Bwala asked.
“I searched the internet to see any of his involvement in the struggle for democracy, I couldn’t see any link ohh.”
Bwala’s comments triggered swift and fiery reactions from Nigerians online, many of whom accused him of double standards and political opportunism.
One user, @Udoh_D, hit back, writing:
“Can you show any evidence of Tinubu’s involvement in the struggle… aside from fleeing to London to cool off?”
Another, @Colman12Francis, accused Bwala of intellectual dishonesty:
“If Tinubu fought for democracy in 1993, does that make him a life president? What evidence in his government today shows he understands democracy?”
@Alphama… also fired shots:
“Obi was running a multimillion dollar business—legitimate one, unlike others you glorify. Not everyone needed to march in the streets to believe in democracy.”
Critics reminded Bwala that legitimate businesspeople also contributed to national progress, and that participation in street protests is not the only benchmark for democratic credentials.
The heated exchange comes amid continued tension between the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and opposition figures, especially in the aftermath of the contested 2023 general elections, which Obi and his supporters insist were marred by irregularities.
