In a provocative statement on TVC’s Journalists Hangout on May 5, 2025, Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, declared that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar may not be destined to lead Nigeria, urging him to accept this and collaborate with Tinubu to shape the country’s future. Bwala’s remarks, reported by Daily Post and TheCable, frame Atiku’s six unsuccessful presidential bids—1993, 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019, and 2023—as evidence that “it may not have been the will of God for you to govern Nigeria.” The comments come amid speculations of Atiku’s 2027 candidacy and a wave of defections to the All Progressives Congress (APC), signaling a shifting political landscape.
Bwala, a former Atiku campaign spokesman, warned that persisting with a 2027 presidential run could lead to an “unpalatable” political end, citing the erosion of Atiku’s base, with “60 to 70 percent” of his allies, including younger politicians, now pursuing their own ambitions. “There are many other ways you can contribute. Since you have been a friend to President Tinubu for many years, come together and bring your contribution,” Bwala advised, suggesting Atiku could cement his legacy through Tinubu’s administration. This aligns with recent APC gains, such as Labour Party chieftain Valentine Ozigbo’s defection, and Tinubu’s reported overtures to opposition figures like Rabiu Kwankwaso.
Atiku, who garnered 6.98 million votes in 2023 compared to Tinubu’s 8.79 million, has remained ambiguous about 2027, stating in March 2025 that any candidacy depends on a “viable platform,” possibly via a coalition with Peter Obi or Kwankwaso. His camp has denied defection rumors, with aide Paul Ibe emphasizing Atiku’s commitment to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and a “grand coalition” to challenge the APC. However, Bwala dismissed such alliances as “dead on arrival,” pointing to Tinubu’s consolidating influence, evidenced by governors and senators joining the APC. Atiku’s recent criticisms, including a December 2024 call for northern presidential eligibility in 2027, highlight regional tensions, which Bwala previously countered, denying Tinubu harbors anti-northern bias.
Sentiment on X reflects polarized views, with @Imranmuhdz amplifying Bwala’s destiny remarks, while @jrnaib2 champions Atiku’s coalition plans, claiming Tinubu should “prepare his handover notes.” Critics like Phrank Shaibu, Atiku’s aide, have mocked Bwala’s role, dubbing him a “Special Adviser on nothing” after his November 2024 redesignation. The debate underscores Nigeria’s fraught political climate, with 34.2% inflation and economic woes fueling opposition hopes, yet Tinubu’s strategic defections and reforms, like the naira-for-crude deal, bolster APC’s grip. Bwala’s call for Atiku to step back may reflect confidence in Tinubu’s 2027 prospects, but Atiku’s enduring influence suggests the race remains open.
Leave a comment