Atiku Campaign Spokesperson, Daniel Bwala, Clarifies Congratulations to President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima Despite Ongoing Election Challenge
Daniel Bwala, the spokesperson for the Presidential Campaign Organisation of Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, has provided an explanation for his congratulatory message to Nigeria's new President, Bola Tinubu, and Vice President Kashim Shettima of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) following their inauguration.
Earlier reports by SaharaReporters highlighted Bwala's congratulatory and prayerful remarks after Tinubu and Shettima took office on Monday morning, succeeding Muhammadu Buhari as President and Vice President of Nigeria.
However, Bwala's well-wishing remarks towards Tinubu and Shettima have sparked mixed reactions, considering that Atiku and the PDP are currently challenging Tinubu's victory at the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal.
Addressing the criticism during an interview on Arise TV on Wednesday, Bwala emphasized that his congratulatory message did not imply acceptance of Tinubu's election victory or indicate a departure from his allegiance to Atiku and the PDP.
Bwala stated that his congratulations were based on the fact that, according to Nigerian law, someone had assumed the position of the President of the federal republic of Nigeria.
He acknowledged that the diverse nature of Nigerian politics in 2023 has resulted in people having varying opinions and polarized perspectives. Bwala further shared his experiences of being attacked by members of different political parties when he transitioned between the APC and the PDP.
The spokesperson asserted that his loyalty to Atiku Abubakar is unwavering and well-known across all political camps. He emphasized his dedication to advocating for Atiku, surpassing any other individual or party within the PDP.
Bwala also expressed confidence in the ongoing court case against the APC and Bola Ahmed Tinubu, believing it will rule in their favor. However, he acknowledged that the legal process could take six to eight months, during which time someone, as per Nigerian law, holds the seat as President.
Bwala clarified that congratulating Tinubu and Shettima for taking the oath of office was not based on accepting their election victory, but rather on respecting the authority and constitutionally mandated role they currently hold.
He emphasized that this gesture does not negate his opinion or involvement in the election challenge.
Bwala maintained that, in his view, the election was stolen and did not reflect the will of the Nigerian people. Even if the Supreme Court ultimately rules against them, he affirmed that it would not change his belief that the election was rigged and does not represent the wishes of the Nigerian populace.
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