There is a growing problem in Nigeria’s political conversation that deserves serious attention: the transformation of political support into online bullying, vulgarity, intimidation and personal abuse.
This has been particularly noticeable among sections of the online community supporting Peter Obi, popularly known as the “Obidient” movement. This is not an accusation against every Peter Obi supporter. Few are articulate and politically engaged Nigerians who use social media to discuss policies, demand accountability and promote their preferred candidate. However, there is also a troubling culture among some supporters in which disagreement quickly degenerates into insults, ridicule, harassment and, at times, threats.
We saw much of this during the 2023 presidential election campaign, when the Labour Party’s Peter Obi became the centre of a powerful youth driven movement. The problem appears to have persisted beyond the Labour Party era, with many of the same online networks and supporters continuing to identify strongly with Obi despite subsequent changes in his political platform.
It is important to acknowledge that Peter Obi has, on occasions, condemned abusive behaviour by people claiming to be his supporters. It would therefore be unfair to say that he has never spoken against such conduct. But the persistence of the problem raises a legitimate question about whether stronger and more consistent leadership is required.
Political support is not a licence to insult people. Defending Peter Obi does not require abusing those who disagree with him. One can criticise Tinubu, Atiku or any other politician without insulting their supporters. Likewise, those who oppose Obi have no justification for abusing him or his supporters.
I genuinely wonder how some people have come to believe that making a comment gives them the right to insult, abuse or disrespect others. Social media has become a breeding ground for vulgarity, hostility and completely unacceptable behaviour. Freedom of expression is not a licence to harass, threaten, defame or verbally abuse people.
Behind every social media account is a real human being, and online actions can have real world consequences. People should not assume that hiding behind a keyboard makes them untouchable. Where online conduct crosses the line into an offence, there should be meaningful consequences through lawful due process.
Political leaders also have a responsibility to set standards. Peter Obi cannot control every person who claims to support him, but he can make it unmistakably clear that nobody should abuse, threaten or harass others in his name. A simple and consistent message, “Defend my ideas, but do not insult people,” would go a long way.
This is not exclusively an Obi problem. Supporters of virtually every major political party and candidate have participated in Nigeria’s toxic online political culture. But every politician who seeks to lead Nigeria should be willing to demand better behaviour from those who support them.
Nigeria needs political disagreement, but it does not need political hatred. We need fewer insults and more arguments, less intimidation and more persuasion, and less blind loyalty and more critical thinking.
A better Nigeria cannot be built by people who believe that political disagreement gives them permission to dehumanise others. We must do better with basic upbringing, respect and personal responsibility.
Think before you type. Respect others. The internet is not a lawless space, and your words can have consequences.
By Engr. Bola Babarinde
