Why we’ll do something against social media in Nigeria — Senate Leader

The Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, has described social media as a growing threat to the peace of Nigeria, warning that the unregulated space is increasingly being exploited for mischief and political blackmail.

Bamidele, who spoke virtually on Thursday during the presentation of nomination forms to Governor Biodun Oyebanji by the Ekiti State University Alumni Solidarity Group for BAO, said the Senate is already considering steps to curb the misuse of social media platforms.

He raised concerns about the dangers posed by false narratives being circulated online, particularly as political activities intensify ahead of the next governorship election in Ekiti State. 

The lawmaker cautioned that social media had become a tool for spreading unverified claims aimed at discrediting political leaders and destabilising the peace of the country.

He stressed that those behind such acts were not driven by genuine concern but by mischief and political desperation. 

According to him, the lack of regulation in the social media space has created room for unfounded allegations, which, if unchecked, could undermine governance and sow discord among citizens.

He said, “In Ekiti State, politics has begun, you should be waiting for anything, they can tell you that the Governor has been flown out of Ekiti on health grounds, that he’s fighting his wife, be prepared.

“Social media practice is largely unregulated in Nigeria. Those people holding him (Oyebanji) responsible for the state of federal roads are being mischievous.

“As far as the Governor is concerned, he came to Abuja several times and led us to the office of relevant stakeholders to discuss the state of federal roads.

“Some don’t know this, some know this, but they are just being mischievous as a result of the moving train in the state. We are coming to that to reduce the threat of social media, and the Senate will do something about that; it’s become a threat to the peace of the country.”

Governor Oyebanji, who was also at the event, warned against attempts by political actors to import violence into the state ahead of the 2026 governorship election. 

He said he was aware of alleged plots by some politicians to sponsor thuggery in the state, but assured that his administration would resist them.

“We won’t allow anyone to import violence into Ekiti. We are aware of their plans to bring political thugs, but we will not allow them to take away the peace we are witnessing in Ekiti.”

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