By Abdullahi Usman
Political communication is not merely about speaking; it is about understanding the consequences of every statement made in the public space.
For a serving Director General of Media and Public Enlightenment, every appearance on national television carries weight, implications, and strategic significance.
Unfortunately, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa’s recent comments during his media chat on Arise Television exposed a troubling level of political immaturity and recklessness that raises serious questions about his understanding of political communication and party loyalty.
By openly stating that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf joined the APC with the full consent of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and further suggesting that Kwankwaso is working for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election, Bature unintentionally exposed sensitive political calculations that should ordinarily remain within the realm of strategic political management.
Such careless disclosures are politically damaging on multiple fronts.
First, they create confusion within party structures and among supporters who expect discipline, coordination, and strategic communication from government spokespersons.
Political alliances, negotiations, and understandings are delicate matters that require maturity and discretion, not careless public commentary aimed at media sensationalism.
Second, his comments risk undermining the credibility of all parties involved. In politics, perception is everything. Once a senior government official begins publicly discussing alleged behind-the-scenes arrangements, it fuels suspicion, distrust, and unnecessary controversy among party members and the electorate.
Third, Bature’s statements portray a dangerous lack of political restraint expected from someone occupying such a sensitive office. A Director General of Media is expected to protect the political interests of their administration, manage narratives carefully, and avoid statements that could create internal cracks or external backlash.
Instead, his comments handed political opponents ammunition while simultaneously exposing what many would consider confidential political manoeuvring.
More disturbing is the implication that personal excitement over television appearances may have overtaken professional judgment. Media visibility should never come at the expense of strategic discipline.
Public office holders, especially those responsible for information management, must understand that every word spoken on national television can have lasting political consequences.
At a time when political actors are carefully positioning themselves ahead of future electoral contests, reckless commentary from government officials can destabilise alliances, weaken trust, and complicate ongoing political calculations.
Political maturity requires knowing when to speak, what to say, and, more importantly, what not to say.
Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa’s outing on Arise Television was, therefore, not a demonstration of political intelligence, but rather an unfortunate display of indiscretion capable of hurting the very interests he is expected to protect.
In politics, loose talk is costly. When such loose talk comes from the office responsible for managing public communication, it becomes not just embarrassing but dangerous.
Abdullahi Usman is a Public Commentator