Why Tinubu appoints former rivals into government – Bwala

Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, says a significant majority of those currently serving in the administration were once political opponents of the President.

Bwala made the remark while addressing public criticism over some nominees on the latest ambassadorial list, with detractors arguing that several candidates had previously spoken against Tinubu or refused to support him politically.

Speaking on The Morning Show on Arise Television on Thursday, Bwala explained that President Tinubu does not view past political disagreements as disqualifying. He recalled an earlier conversation with the President in which Tinubu attributed his approach to the lessons he learnt from his late mother.

According to Bwala, Tinubu believes leadership requires accommodating even those who may have opposed one’s ambitions. “His mother, who led market women in Lagos, taught him that holding grudges leaves a leader with no one left to lead,” Bwala said.

He noted that the Presidency deliberately avoids commenting on ongoing screening processes to ensure the National Assembly carries out its confirmation duties without undue pressure.

Addressing concerns that the President had appointed individuals who once campaigned against him, Bwala said political environments are naturally volatile, and leaders must exercise discretion in choosing whether to reconcile or draw boundaries. He added that, based on Tinubu’s history and political evolution, more than two-thirds of the people working closely with him today had opposed him at one time or another.

Bwala also recounted his own first meeting with Tinubu in January last year. He said he attempted to apologise for previously keeping his distance, particularly over concerns surrounding the Muslim–Muslim ticket. But Tinubu reportedly told him there was no need for such an apology, insisting that disagreement should not translate to personal animosity.