By Milcah Tanimu
The camp of Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election, has ridiculed Daniel Bwala following a reshuffle of President Bola Tinubu’s media team.
Demola Olarewaju, Atiku’s Special Assistant on Digital Media and Strategy, suggested that Bwala’s position was downgraded in the recent changes.
Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, announced that Sunday Dare would replace Bwala as Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications. Bwala’s new role is Special Adviser on Policy Communication.
Olarewaju expressed his views on the change via social media platform X. He remarked, “Egbon Onanuga didn’t wait till morning or later to issue that press release re-designating Bwala’s position. Man dropped it ‘as e dey hot’ at 11:28 at night.”
He continued, “It means they accessed Tinubu, made their case, and demoted Bwala, then came out immediately to announce it. The coded message to Bwala is: ‘You might be in office but we are in power.’”
Olarewaju further added, “You might know Tinubu but we’ve known him. We might let you be with us, but you’re not one of us. We will teach you your place if necessary.”
**Bwala Responds to His New Role**
In a press interaction on Monday, Bwala addressed his new position. He clarified that he would replace former Presidential Spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, who stepped down in September.
Bwala explained, “What’s the difference between leading the team and being the spokesman? We all know our responsibilities. I am not here to define anyone else’s role but my own, as that would be misleading.”
He continued, “I was appointed by Mr. President. The role I now occupy was once held by Ajuri Ngelale. We are all colleagues working towards achieving the mandate of Mr. President. Titles and positions don’t matter to us.”
