Daniel Bwala, an aide to President Bola Tinubu, has fiercely criticized Peter Obi following the latter’s comments on Nigeria’s democracy.
Speaking at a 60th birthday colloquium for former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha, in Abuja on March 24, 2025, Obi claimed that democracy in Nigeria had collapsed.
“If you look at where we are today, it’s like they (the PDP) started in 1999 and laid the foundation. Some people came and took it to the deck, and some people were trying to take it to the first floor when some people came and knocked everything down,” Obi stated.
In response, Bwala took to his official X handle, blasting Obi for his understanding of democracy. He questioned Obi’s credentials, claiming that while pro-democracy activists were fighting military regimes, Obi, whom he described as a “failed politician,” was focused on business activities.
“It is amusing how failed politicians are trying to redefine democracy. @PeterObi says democracy has collapsed. Does he even understand the meaning of democracy? When others fought for democracy, Obi was busy buying and selling. He has no record of any democratic activism from his school days to now. His expertise lies in promoting hate speech and vitriol,” Bwala remarked.
Bwala’s comments came after a similar critique by Bayo Onanuga, who also responded to Obi’s claim. Onanuga, in a post on X on Tuesday, dismissed Obi’s statement as lacking logical support, describing it as a “hyperbolic” remark designed for media attention.
The presidential aide reiterated that democracy in Nigeria has only become stronger over the past 26 years.
