Backtracking on the Airwaves: Bwala Clarifies "Bandit" Remarks Directed at Obidients
Appearing on TVC News' Politics on Sunday, Special Adviser to the President on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, walked back his previous comparison of Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi's supporters—popularly known as "Obidients"—to bandits. Pressed by program host Femi Akande on his choice of words, Bwala adjusted his characterization, labeling the group as "political extremists" instead.
During the broadcast, Bwala accused members of the movement of engaging in aggressive online harassment, citing a recent incident where an individual faced severe backlash simply for meeting and taking a photo with an opponent. He argued that Peter Obi refuses to take responsibility for the conduct of his supporters, consistently shifting blame onto opposition parties while making unverified claims about threats to his life and safety.
"Peter Obi Is Inconsequential": Dismissing the 2027 Challenge
Bwala heavily downplayed Peter Obi’s political standing ahead of future elections, asserting that the former Anambra State governor does not pose a serious political threat to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Key Arguments Raised by Bwala
- Governor Performance: Every past governor of Lagos State has performed significantly better than Peter Obi did in Anambra State.
- Presence at Political Gatherings: Obi's inclusion in presidential discussions is purely due to general political norms rather than his individual weight.
- Alternative Policy Deficit: The opposition routinely criticizes government policies without offering concrete, workable alternatives.
Defending the President: "Tinubu Is Fully in Charge"
Responding to claims raised by opposition groups—including calls to verify whether the President is mentally and physically in charge of governance—Bwala dismissed the allegations as baseless tactics from political rent-seekers and tax evaders.
[Opposition Claims: President Is Absent/Not In Charge] ───► [Bwala's Defense: Methodical & Calculated Leader] ───► [Outcome: Well-Informed Policy Decisions]
"President Bola Tinubu is a slow decider on issues because he wants to gather all the necessary information required to inform his decision. But when he makes that decision, you can hardly fault him. The president's firm grip on affairs of government is the reason many of these opposition figures are surviving in their businesses." — Daniel Bwala
Comparison of Positions: Bwala's Critique vs. Opposition Assertions
| Policy Area | Opposition / Obidient Movement Stance | Daniel Bwala's Counter-Position |
|---|---|---|
| Presidential Decision-Making | Claims President Tinubu is absent or unengaged from daily governance. | Asserts Tinubu deliberate and thorough, gathering full data before acting. |
| Peter Obi's Safety Claims | Reports incidents of life threats, clamped vehicles, and official harassment. | Dismisses reports as sensationalized narratives created to gain media attention. |
| Supporter Behavior | Frames online activities as organic civic engagement and democratic accountability. | Categorizes online activities as political extremism that attacks constructive dialogue. |
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