APC Chieftain Faults President Tinubu Over Reward System

Former All Progressives Congress (APC) national chairmanship aspirant, Mohammed Saidu Etsu, has criticized President Bola Tinubu‘s approach to rewarding those who supported his victory in the last election. Etsu specifically questioned the appointment of Daniel Bwala, a former campaign aide to ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar, as Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Policy Communication.

Etsu expressed disappointment over Bwala’s inclusion in the administration, citing his history of publicly criticizing Tinubu during the 2023 election. He recalled Bwala’s strong opposition to the APC’s Muslim-Muslim ticket and his derogatory remarks about Tinubu, actions Etsu believes should have disqualified him from such a sensitive role.

“It’s not bad to have a presidential spokesperson,” Etsu remarked, “but appointing people who have insulted or denigrated the president as spokespersons is an aberration. I feel bad seeing Bwala, someone who once spoke so negatively about the president, now in the media circle.”

Etsu further criticized the broader trend of rewarding individuals who were previously critical of Tinubu and the APC while sidelining loyal party members. He argued that Tinubu’s current appointments undermine the principles of loyalty and a fair reward system within the party.

“When I contested for the National Chairman of this party,” Etsu said, “I emphasized internal party mechanisms, loyalty, and a proper reward system. Asiwaju always talked about rewarding those who worked for the party, but now, things seem to have changed.”

Etsu also pointed to other appointments, such as the Minister of Digital Economy, as examples of decisions that have disappointed party loyalists. He warned that the president risks alienating core APC members by prioritizing individuals with questionable loyalty.

“Bringing your enemies closer is a strategic move,” Etsu acknowledged, “but not at the expense of those who stood by you. Appointing someone like Bwala, who once called the president a drug baron, is troubling. This sends the wrong message to party faithful.”

He concluded by urging Tinubu to reassess his reward system and reaffirm his commitment to party loyalists. “The president should adjust himself,” Etsu said, “because he’s losing a lot of core party men. Loyalty and service to the party must count for something.”

Etsu’s remarks highlight growing frustrations within the APC as questions arise about the administration’s appointments and the treatment of long-standing supporters. His statements add to the ongoing discourse about loyalty, reconciliation, and governance within Nigeria‘s political landscape.