By NedoBlog | Investigative Feature
Over the past few days, social media timelines have been flooded with a startling post claiming that former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo warned Nigerians that “They’re not coming for Nnamdi Kanu — they’re coming for you.”
The post goes further, alleging that Obasanjo praised the detained IPOB leader, saying Nnamdi Kanu “stood in the way of jihad and the Islamization of Nigeria,” and that “without him, Igbo land would have been conquered long ago.”
The words were powerful — fiery, patriotic, and emotionally charged. But there’s one problem: there is no verified record that Obasanjo ever said any of it.
🔍 The Viral Quote That Shocked Nigerians
The alleged quote appeared first on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter), shared by several accounts linked to pro-Biafra pages. Within hours, it had gathered thousands of shares and comments, especially among supporters of Nnamdi Kanu.
Many readers believed the quote immediately — after all, it sounded like something a bold statesman might say in defence of freedom and regional balance.
But when journalists and fact-checkers began to trace the origin of the post, no video, audio, or credible news report could be found. Not from Channels TV, Vanguard, Punch, BBC, or even Obasanjo’s own media office.
🧾 No Evidence, No Speech, No Record
A deeper look shows that no major Nigerian newspaper or official communication platform ever published such remarks.
In fact, Africa Check, a reputable fact-checking organization, has debunked similar quotes attributed to Obasanjo in the past, describing them as “completely fabricated.”
When reached for comment in July 2024 about his alleged involvement in Kanu’s case, Obasanjo’s spokesperson flatly denied any such statements or meetings.
That denial adds to the growing evidence that this viral quote is a product of social media misinformation, designed to stir ethnic and religious sentiments at a time when national unity remains fragile.
⚙️ Why Such Claims Go Viral
In Nigeria’s charged political climate, misinformation often spreads faster than truth.
Posts like this thrive because they play on fear, identity, and emotion — especially around sensitive topics like religion, ethnicity, and leadership.
To many, Kanu represents defiance and self-determination; to others, he’s a polarizing figure.
Linking a respected elder statesman like Obasanjo to his cause automatically lends moral weight — even if the words were never spoken.
🧠The Bigger Picture
Whether real or not, the viral quote exposes a deeper truth: Nigerians are hungry for voices that stand up against perceived oppression and injustice.
But the danger lies in mistaking fabricated advocacy for authentic leadership.
As digital citizens, we all have a responsibility to pause, verify, and think before we share.
Because in an era where one tweet can ignite tribal tensions, truth itself has become a casualty of convenience.
đź“° Final Take
There is no credible evidence that Obasanjo said the words about Nnamdi Kanu and the “Islamization of Nigeria.”
The story, while compelling, is a social media creation — another example of how false narratives can shape real political discourse.
But the emotional power behind the post tells us something important:
Many Nigerians still fear domination, marginalization, and the slow erosion of their regional identities.
That fear — not the fake quote — is what truly needs national attention.
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