Daniel Bwala faces backlash after Al Jazeera interview
Daniel Bwala, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, has come under fire following his recent interview with Mehdi Hasan on Al Jazeera, aired on March 7, 2026. The interview sparked controversy as Bwala was accused of making critical remarks about President Tinubu’s administration, which he has since denied.
During the interview, Bwala was questioned about the security situation in Nigeria, where he stated that insecurity is not worsening and that the government is actively addressing the issue. However, his comments were met with backlash from various quarters, with critics arguing that his statements were out of touch with the realities faced by many Nigerians.
In the interview, Bwala also denied claims that he accused President Tinubu of creating a militia to influence the 2023 election. He firmly stated, “I never said that,” attempting to clarify his position amidst the growing criticism. Despite his reassurances, many observers found his defense unconvincing, leading to a wave of negative reactions on social media.
Critics expressed their discontent with Bwala’s performance during the interview, with one user, Theo Abu, remarking, “This is so embarrassing. Bwala shouldn’t have gone for this Head to Head with Mehdi Hasan or, at the very least, allowed him to air the recorded interview.” Another user, @AM_Saleeem, echoed similar sentiments, stating, “Daniel Bwala and anyone defending this government should cover themselves in shame after this interview please. I feel ashamed and embarrassed for real.”
While acknowledging the presence of insecurity in Nigeria, Bwala argued that it should be viewed in a global context, suggesting that the challenges faced by Nigeria are not unique. He claimed that the Nigerian government has strengthened security cooperation with several countries to combat the evolving nature of crime, particularly kidnapping, which he described as a lucrative criminal enterprise.
The backlash against Bwala’s comments highlights the growing frustration among the public regarding the government’s handling of security issues. Many Nigerians feel that the situation has deteriorated, contrary to Bwala’s assertions. The criticism reflects a broader sentiment of discontent with the current administration’s approach to governance and security.
Bwala’s previous alignment with the presidential campaign of former vice-president Atiku Abubakar adds another layer of complexity to his current role and the scrutiny he faces. As the political landscape continues to evolve, the reactions to his interview may have lasting implications for both Bwala and the Tinubu administration.