Daniel Bwala, former spokesman for Atiku Abubakar’s 2023 presidential campaign, has officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and is close to joining the All Progressives Congress (APC).
In an interview on Thursday’s edition of Channels Television’s Politics Today, Bwala declared, “I am not a member of the PDP. Yes, I have left the PDP.” When asked about joining the APC, he stated, “I am very close” to becoming a member of the ruling party.
Bwala’s defection follows a notable shift in his stance towards President Bola Tinubu, whom he vehemently criticized ahead of the 2023 election. However, after the poll, he became a vocal supporter of the president’s policies.
In January, he visited President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, where he expressed his support and commitment to the administration. “I honored the invitation of His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is a father to the nation… I came to celebrate and congratulate him. I also gave him my commitment that as citizens of this country, this is the time for us to throw our weight behind and support the administration,” Bwala said.
He also met Tinubu in Paris, France, later on. Bwala defended his visits, stating that he had informed Atiku Abubakar before going to the Presidential Villa. “I informed Atiku Abubakar I was going to see the President,” Bwala said. “After I had seen the President, I informed him (Atiku) that I had just seen the President, and he replied, ‘Thanks Daniel for notifying me’.”
Bwala’s departure from the PDP may not surprise observers, given his recent alignment with the APC’s ideology. His defection marks a significant move from a prominent figure in the opposition party to the ruling party.
