Presidential spokesperson Daniel Bwala has responded to widespread online reactions following his recent appearance on Head to Head, a programme hosted by Mehdi Hasan on Al Jazeera.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Bwala said social media had been “exploding” with reactions to the interview over the past 24 hours, adding that he welcomed the scrutiny and stood by his performance.
“I am prepared to appear before any interviewer, anywhere in the world, any day and at any time, to defend this government and its policies,” Bwala said.
The presidential aide noted that defending the policies and record of President Tinubu’s administration is central to his role and insisted he would not avoid challenging interviews.
According to him, the interview request from the programme, hosted by Mehdi Hasan, initially indicated that questions would focus on issues such as security, the economy and corruption.
Bwala, however, said he was not informed in advance that the discussion would also focus on his past criticisms of President Tinubu made while he was in the opposition.
“Nowhere in our almost six months of communication did they mention that they were going to challenge my past,” he said, adding that such topics should have been disclosed beforehand to allow him to prepare responses.
Despite this, the presidential adviser said he did not regret participating in the interview and rejected what he described as “opposition research-style journalism.”
He also argued that some of the quotes attributed to organisations and groups during the programme were inaccurate, though he said he would address those claims at a later time.
Past Criticism of Tinubu
During the interview, Hasan confronted Bwala with previous statements he made criticising Tinubu before joining the current administration — a moment that quickly circulated across social media platforms.
Addressing the issue, Bwala said his earlier remarks were made during his time in the opposition and reflected the dynamics of political competition.
“It is all politics,” he said, noting that political figures often move from criticising leaders to later working with them.
He cited the example of former critics serving in the administration of former U.S. President Donald Trump as evidence that such shifts are common in politics.
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Reaction to Critics
Bwala dismissed criticism from political opponents, describing many of the reactions online as coming from opposition supporters.
“Their temporary excitement over the interview has not lasted and will not last,” he said, arguing that opposition parties lack a clear political vision or policy alternatives.
He also challenged critics to subject themselves to similar public scrutiny.
Praises and Future Debate
The presidential aide said he had also received messages of support from Nigerians and international viewers who commended his defence of the administration.
Despite the controversy, Bwala expressed respect for Hasan, whom he described as “arguably the best debater on the planet.”
He said he looked forward to a possible second part of the Head to Head interview, where discussions could focus more directly on the policies and achievements of the Tinubu administration.
“I look forward to part two,” he said.
The interview continues to generate debate online as commentators assess the exchange between the presidential spokesperson and the Al Jazeera host.