“We’ll Do Something Against Social Media in Nigeria” — Senate Leader

The Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, has warned that Nigeria’s unregulated social media space poses a growing threat to national peace and stability, vowing that lawmakers will take steps to curb its misuse.

Bamidele made the remarks virtually on Thursday during an event where the Ekiti State University Alumni Solidarity Group for BAO presented nomination forms to Governor Biodun Oyebanji.

He expressed concern over the increasing use of online platforms for spreading false information, political blackmail, and unfounded allegations, particularly as Ekiti State prepares for its 2026 governorship election.

“Social media practice is largely unregulated in Nigeria,” Bamidele said. “In Ekiti, politics has begun. Be ready for anything—they can tell you the Governor has been flown out on health grounds or that he is fighting his wife. These are acts of mischief, not genuine concern.”

The Senate Leader argued that unchecked online narratives could discredit political leaders and destabilise governance, noting that many criticisms directed at Governor Oyebanji over the state of federal roads were deliberately misleading.

“Governor Oyebanji has been to Abuja several times to meet relevant stakeholders about federal roads. Those holding him responsible are simply being mischievous,” he added. “The Senate will do something about the threat of social media; it has become a danger to the peace of the country.”

Governor Oyebanji, also present at the event, cautioned against attempts to fuel unrest in Ekiti through political violence. He alleged that some politicians were plotting to import thugs into the state ahead of the polls but vowed his administration would resist any such moves.

“We won’t allow anyone to import violence into Ekiti,” Oyebanji said. “We are aware of their plans, but we will not permit them to disrupt the peace we are enjoying.”