President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, has revealed that he underwent throat surgery eight days after a contentious interview with Al-Jazeera journalist Mehdi Hasan. Speaking on News Central’s programme 60 Minutes with Mr Kay on Friday, Bwala suggested that the stress from the encounter, which he attributed to members of the Obidient Movement, may have contributed to his medical condition.
“Eight days after the interview with Mehdi Hasan, I underwent surgery on my throat,” Bwala said. “I don’t know whether it is the ‘Obidient’ people that threw that African thing, but in any case, I’m back and strong.”
Bwala accused the Obidient Movement of prioritising political allegiance over national interests, describing its members as a “species of ‘Trojans’ of social media” who disregard Nigeria’s security and stability in pursuit of their objectives. He characterised the Al-Jazeera interview as an example of “opposition-style journalism,” claiming Hasan sought to elicit information to discredit the government but failed to do so.
The interview, which attracted significant attention, centred on the performance of Tinubu’s administration and broader governance issues in Nigeria. Bwala’s remarks highlight the intensifying polarisation in Nigerian politics, particularly on social media, where the Obidient Movement—a loosely affiliated group of supporters of former presidential candidate Peter Obi—has been vocal in its criticism of the current government.
Bwala’s comments come amid ongoing debates about the role of social media in shaping political discourse in Nigeria. The Obidient Movement has been credited with mobilising young voters and amplifying dissent, while critics argue its tactics often undermine constructive dialogue.
The Special Adviser’s health scare and subsequent remarks underscore the high-stakes environment surrounding Nigeria’s political landscape, where public figures frequently face intense scrutiny and pressure. As the country navigates economic and security challenges, the interplay between government communication strategies and opposition movements remains a focal point of national debate.
