Peter Obi building movement of political extremists - Bwala
Presidential Spokesman Criticizes Peter Obi’s Supporters
Daniel Bwala, the presidential spokesman, has publicly condemned Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), describing his supporters as a group of “political extremists.” Bwala contended that Obi has not taken responsibility for the actions of his followers.
During an interview on TVC’s Politics program on Sunday, Bwala responded to inquiries about his ongoing criticisms of Obi. He rejected assertions that he is unduly focused on the former governor of Anambra State. Instead, Bwala explained that he typically reacts to comments from Obi’s supporters that prompt media requests for his perspective.
“Every time, his people are the first to talk, and the media houses will ask us to react. But the narrative peddled by the media is as if we wake up from sleep and are looking for Peter Obi,” he said.
Bwala expressed confidence that Obi does not pose a significant political threat to President Bola Tinubu. “Obi is inconsequential… Peter Obi is not a match for Asiwaju. All the governors that have served in Lagos have performed better than Peter Obi,” he asserted.
Despite acknowledging Obi’s influence, Bwala criticized what he characterized as a “dangerous dimension” that the former governor introduces to Nigerian politics. He claimed that some supporters have circulated false reports regarding his death, further emphasizing his concerns.
When prompted to clarify his reference to Obi’s supporters as akin to bandits, Bwala stated he was referring specifically to political extremism. “They are political extremists,” he said.
Bwala illustrated his point by citing an incident involving an Obidient member who faced backlash online after meeting Seyi Tinubu, the son of President Bola Tinubu. He alleged, “These people wanted to eat him alive. When he called their bluff, Peter Obi flew from Lagos to meet him. The online abuse continued, but when Peter Obi met with him, he claimed it was the opposition attacking him.”
He further accused Obi of not taking responsibility for his supporters’ actions, stating, “He has never accepted the responsibility of the conduct of his people. He has always said it is the opposition.”
