‘He’s more political than spiritual’ — Daniel Bwala faults Onaiyekan over Tinubu criticism
Daniel Bwala, a presidential aide to Bola Tinubu, has criticized Cardinal John Onaiyekan for questioning the administration's focus on the 2027 elections. Bwala argued that the cleric's comments were politically motivated rather than spiritual and do not represent the broader Christian community.
Why it matters
This highlights the ongoing tension between religious leadership and the Nigerian government regarding economic policy and political governance.
Daniel Bwala, special adviser to President Bola Tinubu on policy communication, says comments by John Onaiyekan, cardinal and former Catholic archbishop of Abuja, that the current administration appeared “bent on winning the 2027 elections by all means” rather than improving the welfare of Nigerians were more political than spiritual.
The cleric’s comment followed the visit by the leadership of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), led by Matthew Ndagoso, its president, to Tinubu at the State House in Abuja.
During the meeting, Tinubu defended his administration’s policy, noting that the economy is stabilising.
Speaking during an interview on Prime Time, an Arise Television programme, Onaiyekan said Tinubu and his officials were “not looking very happy” with the bishops’ address, adding that it differed from the kind of remarks the president usually listens to.
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