Atiku’s Media Aide Shaibu Alleges Funding Bwala’s Lifestyle, Threatens To Expose Earnings

A media aide to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Phrank Shaibu, has alleged that he provided financial support to presidential spokesman Daniel Bwala to sustain what he described as a luxury lifestyle during the 2023 election campaign.

Shaibu, who served as Special Assistant on Public Communications to Atiku, claimed the payments were made outside the official salary Bwala received while working with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential campaign.

Bwala was a key spokesperson for Atiku’s campaign between 2022 and early 2023, actively engaging the media and criticising the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s Muslim-Muslim ticket. Following the election, he was appointed as a media aide to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Speaking during an interview with broadcaster Rufai Oseni, Shaibu dismissed any claims that Bwala was poorly treated, insisting he enjoyed both official and unofficial financial support during his time with the PDP.

“He has his letter of appointment. In fact, when he brought it, we had to redact the part showing his remuneration, but I still have the original,” Shaibu said.

He further warned that details of Bwala’s earnings could be made public if the situation escalates, adding that some members of the campaign team provided extra funds to help him maintain his lifestyle.

Shaibu also suggested that their relationship deteriorated over time, alleging that Bwala blocked him on social media due to disagreements.