When I analyse the influence of VeryDarkMan (VDM) on Nigeria’s national discourse, I’m reminded of the old saying: “The more you look, the less you see.” Since his sudden rise to fame, his conduct has raised more red flags than public good. While he claims to be an activist fighting for justice, a closer look reveals a pattern that suggests something else entirely — VDM functions more like a controlled opposition than the fearless truth-teller he portrays.
The Christmas Stampede Tragedies
Last December, over 100 Nigerians died in various states — Ibadan, Abuja, Anambra — not at concerts or festivals, but while queuing in desperation for free rice. These tragic losses reflected the extreme poverty and hunger plaguing the country.
Just as the public began criticising the federal government’s failure to address basic human needs, VDM dropped a bombshell: he claimed his NGO account had been hacked and N80 million stolen.
Suddenly, the media shifted focus. The stampede deaths, the economic hardship, and government negligence were swept off the front pages. The federal government — which never even issued a statement about the deaths — was conveniently let off the hook, thanks to the timely distraction from VDM.
The Presidency and the Shadow of Seyi Tinubu
Recently, Nigerians raised alarm over the role of President Tinubu’s son, Seyi, who has reportedly been attending official functions and sidelining the Vice President. Critics described the VP as effectively “deposed,” while the President’s son embarked on tours across Northern Nigeria.
In the heat of this bad press, VDM — then posting from China — defended Tinubu’s son, insulting senior government officials and declaring the President’s son should be doing even more.
It was a stunning endorsement of unconstitutional behaviour — and again, a well-timed deflection from the presidency’s critics.
The NANS Kidnapping Allegation Disappears
Just a few nights ago, the President’s son was under fire once more, this time accused by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) president of orchestrating his abduction and humiliation.
The story had momentum. Then VDM returned — not to support the student leader, but with a new headline: his mother, he claimed, had been the victim of GTBank fraud. According to him, the bank had deducted her salary for months for a loan she never took.
Instead of dealing with the bank privately, he encouraged a wave of online outrage. Within 24 hours, GTBank’s pages were flooded with over 2,000 hostile comments. Then came VDM’s arrest — and suddenly, the President’s son was out of the headlines.
Conclusion: A Pattern Too Clear to Ignore
The pattern is hard to ignore. Whenever the government is under pressure, VDM releases a major distraction. Whether this is intentional or not, the result is always the same: the heat comes off those in power.
In my view, VDM is functioning as a controlled opposition — giving the illusion of activism while defusing national outrage. His timing, reach, and narrative alignment suggest more than coincidence.
Nigerians must ask: Not just what is being said online, but why, when, and by whom. True activism confronts power. Distraction is not activism — it’s a tool of politics.
MrBen
Social Media Commentator & Political Critic