A fresh wave of controversy has surrounded Nigerian social media activist, Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, following his appearance at a lavish wedding in Maiduguri that drew some of the country’s most influential political and business figures.
The event, the wedding of luxury car dealer, Sadiq Saminu Geidam, was attended by top political personalities including Vice President Kashim Shettima, Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, and businessman and political figure, Seyi Tinubu, making it one of the most talked-about social gatherings in recent days.
Shortly after images and videos from the ceremony surfaced online, critics accused VeryDarkMan of hypocrisy, arguing that his presence at a high-profile elite gathering contradicted his long-standing public image as a vocal critic of corruption and inequality in Nigeria.
Social media users on X (formerly Twitter) revived old criticisms of the activist, questioning whether his advocacy for the poor aligns with his growing association with influential political and business elites.
Prominent online commentator Daniel Regha, also joined the discourse, with his remarks fueling further debate about the activist’s consistency and public image.
“One minute you claim to be an activist fighting for the poor, the next minute you’re seated with the rich in the midst of the people who oppress the poor. Joker” he said.
Despite the backlash, supporters of the activist pushed back strongly against the accusations, insisting that attending a social event does not equate to abandoning activism or aligning with political interests.
Some argued that his presence at the wedding should be viewed as a personal attendance at a friend’s ceremony rather than a political statement.
@Olayemisamfkex maintained that engagement with influential figures could be strategic, allowing activists to gain proximity to power structures without compromising their mission.
He said “You can’t fight the system from outside the gate forever. Sometimes you have to sit at the table to see how the food is being shared so you know exactly who is stealing the meat. Results matter more than optics.
A section of critics accused the activist of exploiting public sympathy, while others alleged that he has become part of the same elite class he frequently condemns.
@shurahim said “Look at Verydarkblackman, chilling with his Muslim billionaires friends, he even entered a mosque in Maiduguri to attend Abuja Car’s wedding.
Yet in Jos, here he is trying to turn the poor Christians against their fellow poor Muslims, even when both sides don’t have up to one million naira to their names.”
@Jelua23 said “He was never fighting for the poor, he used the poor to gain popularity. He’s the same as every other corrupt person in Nigeria. By the way what does VDM do for work?”
One user wrote that his activism may have been driven more by popularity than principle, while another described him as “disguising as an activist while operating within elite circles.”
@Big_Bro said “”Doesn’t see anything good from anyone if he’s not leading it.”
This is the quiet tragedy of many who start as voices for the voiceless.
The fight becomes the identity. The identity can’t accommodate equals.
It’s not manipulation always. Sometimes it’s just a person who forgot”
@William19Prica said “Omoh VDM is part of the elites disguising themselves to be activists in this country. He’s part of the government. He’s an oppressor. He’s dangerous. I’m sure he’s even giving the politicians ideas on how to run their schemes. I Dey fear this VDM, if na movie, I go watch till he’s exposed”
However, contrasting opinions also emerged, with some users arguing that effective activism may require interacting with power brokers to better understand and influence decision-making processes.
The controversy adds to an already polarised public perception of VeryDarkMan, who has built a reputation for outspoken criticism of government policies, social inequality, and corruption. He has also been involved in public disputes with several high-profile figures, including music star Davido and activist Omoyele Sowore.
For now, the Maiduguri wedding appearance has once again placed VeryDarkMan at the center of Nigeria’s ongoing conversation about influence, power, and accountability in activism.
