Tinubu Didn’t Cry When His Party Was Down to One State — Bwala
Former spokesperson of the Atiku Abubakar Presidential Campaign Council, Daniel Bwala, has defended the resilience of opposition politics, citing President Bola Tinubu’s past struggles as a lesson in political endurance.
In a statement on Saturday, Bwala criticized members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) who have mocked opposition parties, especially the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), over internal divisions and electoral losses.
He recalled that during Tinubu’s days as an opposition leader, his political party was at one point reduced to controlling only a single state. Despite this, Tinubu did not despair but instead reorganized and built a formidable political coalition that eventually led him to the presidency.
“Those who ridicule the opposition today should remember that there was a time when Bola Tinubu’s political party was reduced to a single state. Did he cry? No. He went to work. He re-strategized. He formed alliances. He built. And today, he is President,” Bwala said.
He emphasized that democracy is fluid and unpredictable, warning that power can shift swiftly. According to him, the tendency of those in power to mock their opponents reflects a lack of historical awareness and strategic foresight.
“There is a tendency among those in power to forget how quickly things can change. Democracy is dynamic. What you mock today could be what you need tomorrow,” he noted.
Bwala urged opposition leaders to remain focused and not allow temporary setbacks or ridicule to derail their mission. He said that true political leadership is often shaped in times of adversity.
“Opposition politics is not a place for the faint-hearted. It requires perseverance, vision, and hard work. Tinubu understood this when he stood virtually alone. He used that moment of political isolation to build a broad coalition that eventually dislodged the incumbent party,” he stated.
He concluded by cautioning against substituting mockery for sound political strategy, reminding all stakeholders that Nigeria’s political landscape is constantly evolving.
Bwala’s comments come amid continued debates about the strength and future of Nigeria’s opposition parties following the 2023 elections.
