The Presidency has alleged that supporters of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, are heavily involved in manipulating narratives on social media platforms.
The claim was made by Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, during an interview on News Central Television on Monday.
Bwala described Obi’s supporters, popularly known as Obidients, as the most influential and active political group on social media. According to him, their strong online presence has enabled them to shape discussions and drive narratives more effectively than supporters of other political parties.
He noted that the rise of social media has transformed the relationship between citizens and public office holders, providing a platform for direct engagement and criticism of government officials and political leaders.
Speaking during the interview, Bwala said Obi’s supporters dominate online conversations and are widely recognized for their digital activism. He claimed that many of them possess technological expertise and have used their online skills to influence public discourse.
“If you want to know for the records, the tigers of social media are Peter Obi’s followers. Everybody knows this. Some of them are based abroad where internet access is easier, while others in Nigeria also have access to technology. Most of them are in the tech space and they have carried out a lot of manipulation,” he said.
The presidential aide, however, acknowledged that similar activities could also be found among supporters of other political parties, but maintained that Obi’s followers remain the most dominant force online.
Responding to allegations that he pays individuals to defend the government on social media, Bwala denied the claim, insisting that he does not sponsor online supporters.
“I don’t pay anybody for anything. If I were the type that pays people, I would have sold my family land to defend myself against the narratives that emerged after my interview with Mehdi Hasan,” he stated.
The comments add to the ongoing debate over the influence of social media in Nigeria’s political landscape, where online platforms continue to play a major role in shaping public opinion and political engagement.
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