Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser on Policy Communication to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has sparked national conversation following remarks made during a live interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today. In response to criticisms leveled by former presidential candidate Peter Obi regarding the President’s absence from Yelewata, Benue State, Bwala drew a pointed comparison between Obi and social media activist Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan.
“VeryDarkMan has more empathy than Peter Obi. He’s not a politician, but he was in Benue,” Bwala stated. “Why does he have to wait until he becomes president before he gets to Benue? Empathy is personal.”
The comments come in the wake of recent attacks in Yelewata, Guma Local Government Area, which claimed dozens of lives. While President Tinubu visited Benue for an official engagement, critics questioned his decision not to visit the affected community directly. Obi, in particular, had called for a more compassionate response from the presidency.
Bwala defended the President’s actions, citing constitutional provisions that allow the President to delegate responsibilities to officials such as the Vice President, ministers, and security agencies. He emphasized that the National Security Adviser and other representatives had been on ground in crisis zones, fulfilling the administration’s obligations.
The aide also dismissed Obi’s criticisms as political rhetoric, describing him as an “internally displaced politician” and accusing opposition figures of shifting narratives for political gain.
Meanwhile, VeryDarkMan’s visit to Benue has drawn praise across social media, with many commending his grassroots engagement and advocacy for victims. In a video response, the activist clarified that Obi had attempted to visit Benue earlier in the year but was reportedly restricted by the state governor.