Presidential aide Daniel Bwala has defended President Bola Tinubu, insisting that public calls for the president’s resignation over rising bandit attacks are not grounded in constitutional reality.
He stressed that criticism alone does not translate into a legitimate demand for resignation.
Bwala made the remarks during an interview on Morning Briefing on Channels Television.
He explained that facing security challenges does not automatically imply leadership failure.
Bwala Explains Why Tinubu Cannot Be Asked to Resign
According to him, “being confronted with a problem is not a problem.” He added that every country, including advanced nations, battles security concerns.
Bwala argued that the crime rate in parts of the United States is higher than in Nigeria, yet such crises do not always trigger calls for a president’s resignation.
He noted that citizens in a democracy can freely express opinions, including demanding a leader’s exit.
However, he insisted that such demands must be backed with constitutional steps.
He said those insisting Tinubu should resign must “begin the process” if they believe their call is legitimate.
Bwala argued that it would be “laziness” for government officials to be bothered by ordinary expressions of public frustration.
Defends Tinubu Despite His 2014 Call for Jonathan’s Resignation
When asked if Tinubu’s own 2014 demand for former President Goodluck Jonathan to resign—made after the abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls—was legitimate, Bwala insisted the circumstances were not the same.
He claimed the Jonathan administration “didn’t have an idea of the solution” and was “in denial” about the kidnapping incident.
When reminded that Tinubu made his call months after the abduction, Bwala doubled down: “Yes, it was a legit call. Then it was a legit call, now it is not legit.”