Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, has raised concerns about Daniel Bwala, a former aide to Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in the 2023 elections. Ndume suggested that Bwala could be a political liability to President Bola Tinubu.
Bwala, who distanced himself from Atiku after Tinubu’s recent election victory, has been attempting to align with the All Progressives Congress (APC), despite previously criticizing the party over its Muslim-Muslim ticket.
Senator Ndume criticized Bwala’s loyalty and political utility, highlighting Bwala’s shift from Atiku’s camp and his efforts to integrate into the APC, despite his earlier critiques of Tinubu’s policies.
The tension between Ndume and Bwala escalated when Bwala accused Ndume of planning to mobilize youths to attack him in Hawul, part of Ndume’s constituency. Ndume responded to these allegations during a press briefing at his Maiduguri residence, questioning Bwala’s connections to Hawul and suggesting that Bwala cannot trace his actual roots or connect with the local people there.
Ndume said, “The only advice I can give President Tinubu is that, politically, Daniel Bwala is just a mad dog who barks and bites even the owner. Tinubu should be careful with the likes of Bwala. Bwala was once a member of the APC but later ran away shamelessly and joined former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, where he used all sorts of abusive and insulting words against Tinubu on live television. Bwala can only be useful in attacking people, but the 2027 general elections are coming; all I can advise is for Bwala to come to Borno and trace his roots.”
Ndume continued, “Ordinarily, I did not want to join issues with him. I wouldn’t have replied to Mr. Bwala because I believe Bwala’s strategy is to get the attention and sympathy of Mr. President to give him police cover and maybe a job. I can describe Daniel Bwala as a failed lawyer and empty drum making noise in Abuja. As I said, I did not want to respond, but because Bwala talked about threats or that I am mobilizing youths to attack him, which has security implications and is very sensitive.”
Ndume emphasized that his interview on Arise TV did not accuse or insult President Tinubu but only criticized some policies that he believes are counterproductive to average Nigerians.
News Editor