The release of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) 2027 campaign council list on Sunday prompted Special Adviser to the President on Media and Policy Communications, Daniel Bwala, to take to his X account and denounce the composition of the body. Bwala, speaking as an APC spokesperson, said the list was “filled with content creators” and that the party had “stylishly refused to name their campaign media surrogates in the mainstream media masquerading as OAP.” His post, posted under the handle @BwalaDaniel on 25 October 2026, immediately ignited a flurry of reactions across social media platforms.
Bwala’s criticism centered on what he described as an over‑reliance on internet personalities, while accusing the NDC of keeping traditional broadcast journalists, the “OAPs operating behind the scenes”, off the official roster. The APC insider’s remarks were framed as a broader jab at the opposition’s strategic choices ahead of the 2027 general elections, suggesting that the NDC’s media plan lacked transparency. The statement did not go unnoticed; a wave of Nigerians quickly turned the spotlight back on the ruling party, questioning Bwala’s focus on an opponent’s internal affairs.
One Twitter user, @Sowada13, responded bluntly: “Mr bwala you will continue to have nightmare over Peter Obi issues because you can’t tell us one good thing your paymaster has done so far in this country over three(3) years now and you are busy talking about Peter Obi campaign plan.” The comment show a growing frustration among some citizens who feel the APC has underperformed during its tenure. Another user, Peter Kizito OBI (@jditimiya), shifted the criticism toward the APC itself, asking, “Dan, did you see the cars Dayo is sharing to youth leaders across the country, funded by Remi. Hope one go touch your children or brothers who are supporting APC?” Such remarks highlight the personal nature of the online exchange, with opponents using the moment to raise broader accusations of patronage within the ruling party.
Supporters of the NDC’s approach also weighed in. A user identified as @ekiti_duke defended the council, writing, “at least they’re content creators, not a bunch of thieves with baggage full of wealth from unknown sources. Moreover, they’re not Pablo Escobar-esque in nature.” The tone suggested a belief that younger, digitally savvy voices could bring fresh energy to political campaigning, contrasting with older media figures who are often seen as entrenched. Austeen Osumah (@austeen247) turned the critique back on the APC, noting, “There’s no bigger content creator right now than APC govt led by the Jagaban himself. If he’s not shooting content in his Aso rock studio, then he’s editing the videos in France.” The retort implied that the ruling party already enjoys extensive media exposure, making Bwala’s concerns appear misplaced.
Several commentators questioned why an APC official would focus on the opposition’s internal list at all. @why_saymore labeled Bwala a “busy body,” while @victorekpe8 urged him to “mind your own affairs in APC.” The sentiment reflected a broader perception that the ruling party should concentrate on its governance record rather than comment on the opposition’s staffing choices. Julius Bisong (@jbisong67) added a separate grievance, alleging that the APC had denied the NDC a venue for its campaign launch, a claim that he juxtaposed with the ruling party’s own mobilisation drives in the north.
Amid the social media storm, the NDC itself released statements to counter rumors of weakness. The party rejected reports that it lacked governorship candidates in twelve states, naming Senator Kabiru Marafa in Zamfara and retired Rear Admiral Ibrahim Sanusi Kasim in Borno among its nominees. By emphasizing a presence in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, the NDC sought to dispel the image of a regional or fringe movement, positioning itself as a national contender for the 2027 polls.
The episode illustrates how the digital arena has become a battleground for political narratives in Nigeria. Content creators, often with large followings on platforms like X, TikTok and Instagram, are increasingly courted by parties seeking to reach younger voters. At the same time, traditional broadcasters, the OAPs Bwala mentioned, still wield considerable influence, especially in rural areas where internet penetration remains limited. The tension between these two media worlds reflects a broader shift in campaign strategy, where parties must balance innovative outreach with established channels to maximize impact.
For the APC, Bwala’s remarks may serve a dual purpose: signaling to the party base that it remains vigilant about the opposition’s moves, while also attempting to frame the NDC’s reliance on new media as a weakness. Critics argue that the focus on the NDC campaign council distracts from pressing governance issues such as infrastructure, security and the economy, which have dominated public discourse over the past three years of APC rule.
As the 2027 election cycle gathers momentum, both parties are likely to continue leveraging social media to shape public perception. The NDC’s decision to publish its campaign council list suggests a willingness to be transparent about its internal structure, even as it faces accusations of secrecy regarding its media surrogates. Meanwhile, the APC’s response, embodied by Bwala’s pointed tweet, indicates that it will not shy away from publicly scrutinising the opposition’s tactics.
The next weeks will reveal whether the debate over content creators versus traditional media will translate into concrete electoral advantages, or if it will simply remain another episode in Nigeria’s increasingly digital political theatre.
