Nigeria’s Presidency, through Special Adviser on Policy Communication Daniel Bwala, criticises Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi, describing him as a “miracle centre presidential candidate.” The remarks follow Obi’s recent interview with media personality Chude Jideonwo, in which Obi says he would debate Minister of Works Dave Umahi only if he qualifies as a presidential candidate of a political party. Obi’s position comes after Umahi had stated he is ready to debate Obi on issues including road infrastructure.
Bwala responds on X by questioning how Obi became a presidential candidate, saying Obi did not go through a presidential primary election process. Bwala argues that Obi’s emergence as a candidate is not consistent with what he portrays as the normal route through party primaries, and he links the criticism to Obi’s comments challenging the minister’s qualifications. Both sides are therefore trading arguments focused on qualifications to participate in the proposed debate and on the process Obi used to secure his candidacy.
