The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, has disclosed that he underwent throat surgery days after his widely circulated interview with Mehdi Hasan on Al Jazeera.

Bwala made the revelation during a television appearance, where he also addressed public reactions to the interview and criticisms that followed on social media.

According to him, the medical procedure took place about a week after the interview. He, however, confirmed that he has since recovered and resumed his duties.

The presidential aide also used the opportunity to criticise supporters of Peter Obi, often referred to as “Obidients,” accusing them of placing political allegiance above national considerations.

Bwala further defended his outing during the Al Jazeera programme, describing Hasan’s questioning style as confrontational and akin to opposition-driven journalism.

He said the interviewer attempted to extract comments that could undermine the administration but was unsuccessful.

Bwala noted that part of the interview revisited remarks he had made about President Bola Ahmed Tinubu while he was in the opposition, acknowledging those past statements but indicating he sought to redirect the discussion.

The interview has continued to generate debate, particularly across social media platforms, with differing views on Bwala’s performance and comments.