‘I’m the presidential spokesman’ — Daniel Bwala explains role in Tinubu’s media team

Daniel Bwala, special adviser on media and public communications to President Bola Tinubu, has announced himself as the new presidential spokesman. 

There had been some confusion as Bayo Onanuga, designated as special adviser on communication and strategy, had been the presidential spokesman since the exit of Ngelale Ajuri, who was special adviser on media and publicity.

Onanuga also moved to the office previously occupied by Ajuri at the presidential villa.

But in a tweet on Monday, Bwala announced himself as the presidential spokesman.

Today, I resumed officially as the Special Adviser, Media and Public Communications/Spokesperson (State House).

I am happy to have joined a meeting of the robust and fantastic communication team of Mr. President. I love the existing unity among the team and hope we can leverage…

— D. H Bwala (@BwalaDaniel) November 18, 2024

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In an interaction with State House correspondents on Monday, Bwala, a former spokesperson for Atiku Abubakar’s presidential campaign in 2023, rejected claims that his appointment was down to pecuniary gains.

Bwala emphasised the importance of staying focused on the larger goals of the Tinubu administration despite the distractions that often accompany public office.

Bwala said the negative reactions to his appointment were motivated by external forces trying to undermine the president.

“In life, generally, you look at focus. When you are focused on a thing, you are going to be faced with distraction,” he said.

“Your character will be determined by how you conduct yourself in the case of carrying out the information.

“It’s about the government. It’s about the president. It’s about his administration. It’s not about Bwala, and because these things have been trashed before.

“I don’t want to feed the negative energy that is obviously sponsored by some elements who think that by doing so, you can gaslight the President.

“The President is committed, and we are committed to the force of the President, so I won’t feed into that energy.”

Asked about his role in the administration, Bwala reiterated that his focus is solely on supporting Tinubu’s agenda.

Bwala also acknowledged the role of his predecessor, Ngelale, but said his main concern is not to define or overshadow the responsibilities of others within the administration.

“We are working to achieve the mandate of Mr. President. What I can tell you is that, all of us are servants of the president,” Bwala said.

“There is no issue as to the differences in terms of the responsibility; everybody knows his responsibility.

“I only came to introduce myself to you and the role that was given to me by Mr. President. I told you that role was once occupied by Ajuri Ngelale. But for God’s sake, we are all colleagues.

“We are not particularly bothered about who is this who is that. We are working to achieve the mandate of Mr. President.”

Tinubu is believed to have the biggest media team in the nation’s history with over a dozen political appointees outside of the civil servants.