The Presidency has described supporters of Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, presidential candidate, Peter Obi, as the “tigers” of social media.
Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, made the remark on Monday during an interview on News Central Television.
According to Presidency, social media has transformed the way citizens engage with public figures, making it easier for people to openly criticise political leaders online.
“If you want to know for the record, the tigers of social media are Peter Obi’s followers. Everybody knows. Some of them live abroad where data is free, while some in Nigeria also have access to these platforms. Most of them are in tech and they have carried out a lot of manipulation,” he said.
He, however, noted that supporters of other political parties also engage in similar activities.
“That is not to say there are no people like that in other political parties. I would be the last person to say that, but if you are talking about tigers, then it’s the Obidients,” Bwala added.
Responding to questions on whether he sponsors individuals online to defend the government, Bwala denied the allegation.
“I don’t pay anybody for anything.
“If I were the paying type, with all the agenda pushed against me during the Mehdi Hasan interview, I would have sold my family land just to defend myself online,” he said.
