Daniel Bwala, who is the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, gave a frank evaluation of the political situation in Nigeria during an interview on TVC TV. He also emphasised President Tinubu's leadership style, which is characterised by inclusivity.
"The political opponents are lacking a clear path forward. Bwala stated that the only political party that is organised in Nigeria is the APC, which presented a bleak picture of the current state of the opposition. He made this point clearer by using an analogy: "It's like the story of the monkey that I told you."
The presidential aide pointed out that Tinubu has a unique way of leading, especially when it comes to his restraint in political confrontations. "I mean, almost all the opposition parties are trying to find their way," he said. “I do not attack because I can see that Mr. President is in a reconciliatory mood.”
Bwala gave specific examples of the President's measured approach: "If you have seen, for the past 18 months plus that he's been in government, he has never reacted once to anybody. He has never been seen being hostile or confrontational with anyone.
Bwala shared a personal revelation that highlighted his point about the President's inclusive leadership: "His approach to politics and government, if you have seen, virtually 90 to 97% of people around him today have all worked against him in the past, inclusive of me. I was with him, then I left him, and then I had to return.
Bwala said, "That's his position," as he wrapped up his evaluation of the President's political philosophy. The president does not support this fight.
A key presidential aide's description of Nigeria's political landscape gives us a better understanding of the ruling party's view of opposition politics as well as the President's approach to governing. According to Bwala's assessment, there is a considerable power imbalance in Nigeria's political sphere, with the APC being depicted as the only political force that is well-organised.
The aide's emphasis on Tinubu's reconciliatory approach presents a picture of a leader focused on unity rather than retribution, which could indicate a potential shift in Nigerian political culture. His personal account of going back to work with Tinubu after having previously been against him helps to strengthen this idea of inclusive leadership.
