Former presidential candidate and Labour Party leader, Mr. Peter Obi, has expressed deep concern over the trajectory of Nigeria’s democracy, citing recent developments involving social media influencer VeryDarkMan and Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Obi warned that Nigeria’s hard-earned democratic values were being eroded under a climate of fear, suppression of dissent, and growing intolerance for alternative views.

Obi’s comments come amid a wave of public outrage over the arrest and detention of Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, who has built a reputation on social media for his blunt commentary on social issues, corruption, and what he calls “the elite hypocrisy” in Nigeria. His recent critique of Seyi Tinubu, where he allegedly called out the First Son for his perceived extravagant lifestyle and silence on national issues, reportedly led to his arrest—raising red flags about freedom of expression and the abuse of state power.

In a statement released on Monday, Peter Obi did not mince words as he described the current situation as dangerous for the future of democratic governance in Nigeria.

“The beauty of democracy lies in the freedom to hold divergent opinions and engage in meaningful criticism of those in power,” Obi stated. “When citizens are arrested, harassed, or silenced for merely expressing their views—especially on platforms meant for public discourse—then we must ask ourselves: what direction are we heading?”

Obi acknowledged that while freedom of speech must be exercised with responsibility, it is the duty of democratic governments to tolerate and address dissent through dialogue, not force. He stressed that using state machinery to punish critics or protect public figures from scrutiny only breeds a culture of fear and weakens democratic institutions.

Although the Nigerian Police have remained tight-lipped about the exact charges against VeryDarkMan, sources close to the case allege that his arrest followed a petition tied to his viral video criticizing Seyi Tinubu. The video reportedly questioned the legitimacy of Seyi’s growing public influence and financial status, especially during a time when millions of Nigerians are battling inflation, fuel scarcity, and declining living standards.

Civil society groups and human rights advocates have also weighed in, condemning the arrest and demanding his immediate release. Many view the incident as a broader attack on free speech, particularly when the voice in question challenges the political elite.

Social media has been awash with hashtags like #FreeVeryDarkMan and #WeAreWatching, as young Nigerians and online activists rally behind the influencer. Critics argue that if the First Son enjoys the privileges of power, he must also be open to public scrutiny.

Peter Obi, who emerged as a central figure during the 2023 elections by galvanizing a youth-driven movement focused on accountability, transparency, and a new political direction, appears to be positioning himself once again as a voice for the marginalized.

“We cannot afford to normalize the silencing of critical voices, especially at a time when Nigeria needs honest conversations about governance, leadership, and the economy,” Obi emphasized. “The strength of a democracy is not measured by the comfort of those in power but by how it treats its dissenters.”

In his statement, Obi also took a veiled swipe at political elites who, he says, use their influence to control narratives and suppress uncomfortable truths. He warned that the continued use of security agencies to settle personal grievances would only push the nation further into authoritarianism.

He urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and vocal in the face of injustice, and called on institutions such as the National Human Rights Commission and the judiciary to assert their independence and act swiftly in safeguarding the rights of every citizen—regardless of their status or political alignment.

As reactions continue to pour in, the presidency has yet to make any official statement on the matter. Seyi Tinubu has also remained silent, with no public response to either the allegations made by VeryDarkMan or the arrest that followed.

Observers say the incident is a litmus test for the Tinubu administration’s commitment to upholding democratic values, especially after coming into office under the promise of renewed hope and national unity.

For many Nigerians, especially the youth, this case is not just about one man and his arrest. It’s about the bigger picture: the right to speak, to question, and to challenge authority without fear of retribution. As the public awaits further developments, the pressure mounts on the government to demonstrate maturity, transparency, and restraint.

Peter Obi concluded his statement with a call to action for both leaders and citizens:

“The road to a better Nigeria is paved with truth, courage, and open dialogue. Let us not be afraid to speak, and let our leaders not be afraid to listen.”

As Nigeria marks 25 years of uninterrupted democracy, the question lingers: Are the voices of the people still protected, or is the country slipping into an era where power is above accountability?