Muslim-Muslim Ticket: Apologise To Vice-President Shettima Over Your Criticism, Ndume Tells Tinubu’s New Special Adviser, Daniel Bwala

Senator Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South) has urged Daniel Bwala, newly appointed Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications to President Bola Tinubu, to seek forgiveness from Vice President Kashim Shettima.

Ndume in a statement attributed this to Bwala’s decision to leave the All Progressives Congress (APC) due to Shettima’s emergence as Tinubu’s running mate, citing religious differences.

SaharaReporters had reported that Bwala, a former Atiku Abubakar presidential campaign spokesperson recently appointed as President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications, was well-known for his criticism of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)’s Muslim-Muslim ticket ahead of the 2023 presidential election.

Bwala, in July 2022, quit the ruling party over its decision to for a Muslim-Muslim ticket, with Bola Tinubu and Kashima Shettima as its presidential and vice-presidential candidates. Both Tinubu and Shettima are Muslims.

He had publicly berated Tinubu’s choice of Shettima as his running mate, describing it as insensitive towards the principle of secularism in the country.

According to the statement, Ndume said, “I wish to commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Daniel Bwala as his Special Adviser on Public Communication and Media.

“This gesture deserves serious applause, particularly in view of the roles played by Bwala in the recent past,” Ndume said in a statement.

Ndume praised Tinubu’s decision as a demonstration of inclusiveness and reconciliation.

“You should work with the Vice President closely as your second principal to promote the renewed hope agenda of Mr. President,” Ndume advised Bwala.

He further urged Bwala to emulate Tinubu allies such as Sunday Dare, Hadiza Bala Usman, and Bayo Onanuga, noting, “These individuals defend and market Tinubu’s policies backed by facts and figures without being abusive or offensive. Bwala should adopt a similar approach.”

Ndume also emphasised the importance of grassroots engagement, stating, “Charity begins at home. You must connect with the grassroots to ensure the administration’s message resonates with the people. I wish you success in your new assignment.”