Bwala Slams Peter Obi Over Democracy Day Comments, Questions His Role in June 12 Struggle

Presidential spokesperson Daniel Bwala has taken a swipe at the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, over his recent Democracy Day comments criticising the Bola Tinubu administration.

Bwala, who serves as Special Adviser on Policy Communication to President Tinubu, dismissed Obi’s remarks urging the President to emulate former leaders Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and Goodluck Jonathan, stating that the former Anambra State governor has no moral standing to speak on matters relating to Nigeria’s democratic struggles.

Obi had, during the June 12 Democracy Day celebration, called on President Tinubu to acknowledge flaws in the electoral process that brought him to power—much like Yar’Adua once did—and to demonstrate statesmanship by putting the country above personal ambition, as Jonathan did in 2015 by conceding defeat.

However, Bwala, in a post on X (formerly Twitter) Friday evening, questioned Obi’s credentials as a democrat.

“Please can someone confirm to me whether it is true that on June 12, 1993 and weeks after that @PeterObi was in Malaysia or somewhere in Asia doing buying and selling trading business?” Bwala wrote. “I searched the internet to see any of his involvement in the struggle for democracy, I couldn’t see any link ohh.”

According to Bwala, Obi’s background as a businessman during the military era disqualifies him from commenting on the June 12, 1993 crisis and the broader fight for democratic governance in Nigeria.

Obi and his political allies have consistently challenged the legitimacy of the 2023 presidential election, alleging widespread irregularities and insisting that the outcome does not reflect the will of the people. He has also maintained that there is no true democracy under the Tinubu administration.

Bwala, who was once a vocal critic of the Tinubu government before being appointed into office, now regularly defends the administration and has taken a combative stance against the opposition.

However, Bwala’s post sparked backlash from many Nigerians on social media, who challenged his claims and questioned the logic behind equating democratic participation solely with involvement in the June 12 protests.

Responding to Bwala’s comments, @Udoh_D asked, “Can you show any evidence of Tinubu’s involvement in the struggle for democracy during the period you referenced—aside from fleeing to London to cool off?”

Another user, @Alphama…, wrote, “At the time you mentioned, he [Obi] was running a multimillion-dollar business… not that he was dealing drugs or laundering money. What do you mean by struggle for democracy? Did the constitution say that only those who marched on the streets can lead Nigeria?”

@Colman12Francis went further, stating: “Let us assume that Tinubu fought for democracy in 1993. Are you suggesting that he should be a life president? If fighting for democracy qualifies him to be president, what shall we say of those who fought for independence?”

The online exchange adds another layer to the ongoing friction between the Labour Party and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), especially as public discontent over economic and governance issues continues to grow.

While both sides remain firm in their positions, the debate once again highlights the contested legacy of June 12, and the question of who gets to speak for democracy in Nigeria today.