Daniel Bwala, who serves as the Special Adviser on Media and Policy Communication to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has asserted that Cardinal John Onaiyekan’s recent remarks regarding the country’s status represent only the Catholic perspective rather than the entire Christian community. Bwala shared this view on his X handle following public debate over the Cardinal’s television interview, which occurred after the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria met with the President.
The presidential aide suggested that the Catholic Church demonstrated a clear preference for Labour Party candidate Peter Obi during the 2023 elections, implying that the Cardinal’s critique carries political undertones. He remarked that the Cardinal is acting more as a political figure than a spiritual leader, while also noting that not every Catholic follower aligns with these specific views. Bwala further defended President Tinubu’s right to challenge the bishops’ assessment of the economy, citing the President’s reliance on data and empirical evidence.
Furthermore, Bwala argued that the broader Christian community remains neutral and should not be used as a vehicle for political agendas. He concluded by stressing that the collective body of all Christian denominations, which includes Catholics, maintains a neutral stance that should be preserved to avoid the politicization of faith.
