Presidential spokesman Daniel Bwala has defended his past criticism of President Bola Tinubu, insisting that his previous comments were “not lies” but have become “baseless” in light of current realities.
Bwala made the remarks during a tense exchange with Channels Television anchor Seun Okinbaloye on Wednesday’s edition of Politics Today. The discussion centred on statements Bwala made about Tinubu before joining the current administration.
Bwala dismisses focus on past remarks
During the interview, Bwala expressed frustration over repeated questions about his previous comments on the President. He argued that revisiting those statements added little value to public discourse.
Instead, he urged the media to focus on issues affecting Nigerians, including the economy, education and security. He also called for more attention to a letter reportedly linked to United States President Donald Trump praising Tinubu’s security efforts.
According to Bwala, the Tinubu administration has made notable progress, especially in strengthening cooperation among the country’s security agencies.
When Okinbaloye asked whether calling his previous remarks “baseless” meant they were lies, Bwala replied:
“Yes, they are not lies. They are baseless. Not important for conversation.”
Spokesman accuses anchor of promoting opposition narrative
Bwala also accused the television presenter of dwelling on old political comments instead of discussing governance. He argued that opposition politicians did not receive the same level of scrutiny.
“The joblessness of the opposition, it seems they have carried you in that bus. Why am I saying that? This issue you raised, when will you get tired? When will you get tired of asking me the same question?”
He continued:
“In the world Today, the first person that started asking me this question was you, and you have done that more than five times. Are you not tired? They are completely inconsequential to what is happening.”
Bwala maintained that Nigerians wanted answers on matters affecting their daily lives rather than debates about comments made years ago.
“Nigerian people tonight want to know what is happening with their economy, with their education, and most importantly, with security, and we have made substantial progress.”
Bwala insists remarks were not lies
Okinbaloye again asked whether Bwala’s comments about Tinubu in 2022 had become lies. The presidential spokesman repeated his earlier position.
“Yes, they are not lies. They are baseless. Not important for conversation.”
He also suggested that the media had overlooked political defections by opposition figures while focusing on his own change of position.
“Peter Obi has since changed parties four times. How many times have you asked their people?”
Read also: Gov Otti defends Tinubu’s reforms, says hardship is necessary
