Bwala Blasts Senator Ndume: Presidency Adviser Accuses Lawmaker of Lies, Exploitation, and Divided Loyalty

A fierce political storm is brewing within Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as Daniel Bwala, special adviser to President Bola Tinubu on policy communication, launched a scathing attack on Borno South Senator Ali Ndume, labeling him a “pathological liar” and “venomous exploiter” during a heated interview on Channels Television.

Bwala’s comments come in response to Ndume’s claims that the Tinubu administration targets critics and suppresses dissent, especially from within the ruling party. In a sharp rebuttal, Bwala denied ever attacking revered national figures such as former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Nobel laureate Professor Wole Soyinka, or Bishop Mathew Kukah, calling Ndume’s assertions fabricated.

“Pathological Liar and Exploiter”: Bwala Targets Ndume

During the Sunday broadcast, Bwala minced no words in describing Ndume’s personality and political style, branding the senator as a chronic liar. “Ali Ndume, with respect, is a pathological liar. He loves lies. Go to Borno State and ask the people; he lies with his eyes open,” Bwala declared.

He further escalated the feud by accusing the long-serving lawmaker of exploiting his position without delivering real results to his constituents. “He has not done any project for his constituency in 22 years of representing them,” Bwala alleged, suggesting that despite occupying significant legislative roles, Ndume had failed to use his position to address issues like the displacement of over 120,000 Southern Borno residents still living as IDPs in Cameroon.

Bwala stated, “This is a Senator who served as Majority Leader and Senate Chair on Defence and Army. Still, he has done nothing to return his people from exile or bring meaningful development.”

Portable Arrested Over Criminal Allegations In Ilorin Following Police Petition

Allegations of Political Betrayal and Party Disloyalty

The presidential aide didn’t stop at personal and constituency-based criticism. He also took aim at Ndume’s loyalty to the APC, warning the party leadership that the senator’s allegiance might no longer be genuine.

Bwala directly addressed APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, stating:

“Senator Ali Ndume’s spirit and soul are with the coalition [opposition]; it is his body that is in APC. He is already going.”

He compared Ndume’s actions to those of former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai, who openly declared his intention to leave the party. “It’s more honourable to say you’re leaving than staying and playing a double game,” Bwala emphasized.

The accusations came amid Ndume’s recent criticism of President Tinubu’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Rivers State. Ndume had challenged the legality of the move and urged the president to focus on resolving the region’s security and economic challenges. He also hinted at a lack of support from former President Muhammadu Buhari for the current administration, further straining his ties with party loyalists.

From Allies to Adversaries: The Fallout

Bwala also provided a backstory to their now-toxic relationship, stating that they once had mutual respect and even cooperated during times of political pressure. He narrated how Ndume sought his support during his Senate presidential ambition and once waited for two hours at his chambers.

However, Bwala said the breakdown began after a January 2024 meeting he had with President Tinubu. Post-meeting, Bwala claimed Ndume began spreading conspiracy theories that the presidency intended to replace him as Borno South Senator.

“There was no record of any disagreement between us until after that meeting. Since then, he’s been on TV, attacking me,” Bwala revealed.

Party Unity in Question

This public spat between two key political figures highlights growing tensions within the APC. While Bwala represents the presidency’s official voice, Ndume is one of the most senior lawmakers in the National Assembly. The clash not only exposes deep-rooted personal animosities but also suggests possible fractures in party unity ahead of future elections.

As the controversy escalates, political watchers remain keen to see how the APC leadership will address the internal feud — whether through reconciliation or disciplinary actions. Either way, the political drama involving Bwala and Ndume has added another layer of complexity to the Tinubu administration’s relationship with its allies and critics.