Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, has revealed that more than 70 per cent of individuals currently working with the President had previously opposed him politically.
Speaking on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Thursday, Bwala addressed concerns over the suitability of certain ambassadorial nominees who had, in the past, criticised or acted against Tinubu.
He explained that the Presidency is taking a neutral stance while the National Assembly completes the confirmation process for the nominees.
“Our posture from the Presidency is to remain silent until the National Assembly concludes the confirmation process. Any interference could be seen as prejudicing the Assembly,” Bwala said.
“Those who understand politics know the environment is toxic. It is up to political leaders to exercise discretion, whether to work with those who opposed them in the past or not. Looking at Tinubu’s trajectory, I can say that over 70 per cent of his team had at some point worked against him.”
Bwala also shared a personal encounter with the President, highlighting how Tinubu’s late mother shaped his approach to political alliances.
“When I first met him on January 10 last year, I was apologising because I had avoided him. He said I didn’t have to, and reminded me not to let fear or past offenses influence relationships,” Bwala recounted.
He added that Tinubu’s mother taught him, as head of the market women, that holding grudges could leave a leader without people to lead.
The President recently submitted the names of 32 ambassadorial nominees to the Senate for confirmation, following an earlier batch of three.
The nominees include former INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, former presidential aide Reno Omokri, former Minister of Aviation Femi Fani-Kayode, and former Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, noted that the nominees would only be assigned to their diplomatic postings after Senate approval.
Among the nominees, there are four women among the career ambassadors and six women among the non-career appointees.
