The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Public Communication, Daniel Bwala, has said he has been absent from the All Progressives Congress (APC) for only seven months.
Mr Bwala maintained that he was not a newcomer to the ruling party.
He said this while answering questions on Channel TV’s Politics Today program on Monday.
The statement came amid criticism of him for accepting to become the president’s media aide after harshly criticizing the APC and President Bola Tinubu.
But while defending himself on state television, Bwala said most of the attacks against him were sponsored.
“I am not the only one who influenced the people who were subject to the president’s decision, probably the APC and others.
“You virtually interviewed me eight years before the election and have consistently defended the APC as an APC member. My qualifications are in your hands.
“I am not like a newbie. I have only been away for about seven months and everything is ‘Bwala Bwala’. They have their reasons, some of which are sponsored,” he said.
Why I will never rub shoulders with Bayo Onanuga – Daniel Bwala
Meanwhile, Bwala said he would never be drawn into a position alongside Bayo Onanuga, the Special Assistant to the President on Intelligence and Strategy.
According to Naija News, Bwala made the remark while answering a question on Channels Television’s show Politics Today on Monday.
Mr Bwala said Mr Onanuga is an elder statesman and an accomplished journalist with a proven track record.
He said Onanuga has served the country well and he would be happy to see him lead the presidential media team.
He said: “Bayo Onanuga is an elder statesman. He is a very good journalist with a record. I am happy that he will lead us as our leader.
“I’m happy that he’s taking over. He hasn’t said anything, but I’m happy that he’s going to be the leader. He’s an older guy so I respect him.
“And he has a record of his own. He has served Nigeria well. He has a proven track record as a journalist.
“I would never be drawn into a position where I would be on par with him. I would take my hat off for him.
“For me personally, if he says, ‘Go and carry that table,’ I’m just going to do it. That’s my job. It’s not about the title.”
