Former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has described the arrest of social media influencer Martin Otse, known as Verydarkman (VDM) as a disturbing erosion of democratic values in Nigeria.
The former Anambra State governor in a statement on his X page on Sunday expressed concern about the growing tension in the country, worsened by economic hardship and actions that undermine the rule of law and human rights.
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He stated that while security agencies may have acted within their legal rights, the forceful and opaque manner in which VDM was arrested resembled an abduction, sparking fear among citizens.
“The display of force, lacking in transparency and civility, closely resembled an abduction,” he said.
“If Nigerians begin to struggle to distinguish between legitimate arrests and unlawful abductions, we will lose a vital layer of national security and accountability.”
The 63-year-old noted that the pattern is not new, recalling that even members of the judiciary, the last line of defence for justice — have previously suffered similar indignities.
According to Obi, when those who interpret the law are disrespected, it is unlikely that ordinary citizens will feel safe or protected.
He also warned that such actions have economic consequences.
He cited the public backlash against GTBank, which has been linked to VDM’s arrest, as a damaging blow to investor confidence and institutional credibility.
“At a time when investor confidence is already fragile, we must do all we can to avoid actions that tarnish institutions or undermine the trust of both citizens and the international community,” he said.
Obi questioned why the activist could not have been invited in a ‘civil, transparent, and legal manner’.
He added that such an approach would have spared the nation unnecessary embarrassment.
More so, Obi condemned reports surrounding the alleged ‘adoption’ of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) President, describing it as another troubling sign of the suppression of youth voices.
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“Nigeria’s youth should not feel coerced, silenced, or absorbed into political agendas that do not reflect their will. The oppression of young voices, whether through force, patronage, or intimidation, is a dangerous path that we must not normalise,” he said.
Obi called for a return to democratic norms where justice is delivered without theatrics or abuse, youth are free to express themselves, judges serve with dignity, and institutions act with integrity.
“That is the Nigeria we must rebuild,” he said.
The New Daily Prime reported that VDM’s lawyer, Deji Adeyanju alleged he was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
