Fresh controversy erupts as Presidency accuses influencer of spreading false audio linked to President Tinubu
Fresh political controversy erupted on Wednesday after the Presidency called for legal action against controversial social media influencer, Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VDM, over the circulation of an alleged fake audio purportedly linked to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, openly condemned the viral audio, describing its circulation as a dangerous abuse of social media platforms. The presidential aide insisted that the influencer must face the “weight of the law” for allegedly disseminating false information online.
The controversial audio, which spread rapidly across social media, allegedly contained remarks attributed to President Tinubu concerning opposition politics and the 2027 elections. However, the Presidency swiftly dismissed the recording as fabricated propaganda designed to mislead Nigerians and stir political tension.
The incident has sparked fierce debate online, with supporters and critics of both the government and VDM clashing over issues surrounding misinformation, freedom of speech and the growing influence of social media personalities in Nigerian politics.
Meanwhile, legal experts and political observers say the development could further intensify conversations around fake news regulations, digital accountability and the role influencers play in shaping public opinion ahead of future elections.