Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has shared his thought over the presidential media aide Daniel Bwala over the controversy surrounding his recent interview on Al Jazeera, saying no government spokesperson can successfully defend the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Sowore made the remarks while speaking to journalists outside a courthouse in Abuja, where he addressed several national issues including alleged police misconduct, insecurity and the state of Nigeria’s political leadership.
According to him, the backlash that followed Bwala’s interview on Al Jazeera was predictable because, in his view, Nigeria’s current situation makes it difficult for anyone to convincingly defend the government.
“It is not possible to defend Tinubu anywhere,” Sowore said. “Even if Bwala debated a secondary school student, he would still struggle because the reality of what is happening in Nigeria is already known globally.”
The Al Jazeera interview sparked debate after Bwala was questioned about insecurity, economic hardship and past statements he made criticising Tinubu before later joining the administration as a spokesperson. Clips from the programme circulated widely online and triggered criticism from many Nigerians.
Responding to reactions about Bwala’s performance, Sowore said the problem was not the spokesperson but the administration he represents.
“People are saying he failed. What were they expecting? Nigeria is falling apart. It is impossible to present the country as if everything is working,” he said.
Sowore also alleged that many political spokespersons defend government mainly for personal gain, arguing that economic pressures often push individuals into government communication roles.
Calls for Police Reform
Beyond the Bwala controversy, the activist used the opportunity to raise concerns about alleged abuses within the Nigerian police.
He claimed that a report he recently reviewed revealed that a police officer attached to a Rapid Response Squad unit was linked to 11 deaths in 2022, yet no disciplinary action was taken.
According to him, some officers mentioned in the report have instead been promoted or reassigned to more influential positions.
Sowore also highlighted the case of a whistleblower, said to be a member of the National Youth Service Corps, who allegedly exposed the incident but remains in detention.
“The only person still in detention is the whistleblower who wanted to serve his country,” he said.
He urged the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to intervene and discontinue what he described as unnecessary arrests and prosecutions, particularly those related to online speech under the Cybercrime Act.
Criticism of Arrests Linked to Religious Leaders
Sowore also criticised cases where bloggers or social media users were arrested following complaints from religious leaders, including Pastor Johnson Suleman and preacher Daniel Olukoya.
He said one blogger who had been granted bail by a magistrate court was later remanded in custody by a federal court despite complying with bail conditions.
“You don’t detain somebody who has already been granted bail. Bail is meant to ensure the person returns to court, not to punish them,” he said.
Warning Over Rising Insecurity
Sowore also warned that Nigeria’s security challenges are expanding into new regions, claiming armed groups have spread beyond traditional conflict zones into states such as Ondo, Edo, Kwara and Kogi.
He alleged that some of the largest camps operated by armed groups are located close to populated communities and warned that even the Federal Capital Territory could become vulnerable if the situation worsens.
“Abuja is not as safe as many people think,” he said, urging security agencies to focus on addressing terrorism rather than targeting critics and activists.
Concerns Ahead of Future Elections
Looking ahead to the next election cycle, Sowore said many Nigerians appear disillusioned with the political system.
According to him, voter enthusiasm is significantly lower than in previous election periods because citizens are struggling with economic hardship, rising insecurity and declining trust in government institutions.
However, he called on Nigerians to use elections as an opportunity to challenge the country’s political elite and demand accountability.
“Nigerians must come together and take decisive action against the political class that has mismanaged the system,” he said.
Sowore added that activists and reform advocates would continue pushing for structural changes in governance, policing and economic management in the country.
