VeryDarkMan Condemns Mockery of President Tinubu's Stumble in Turkey
Nigerian social media personality Martins Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has strongly criticized fellow citizens for mocking President Bola Tinubu after he stumbled and fell during an official visit to Turkey. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, in Ankara, has sparked widespread discussion online, with VDM taking a firm stance against the ridicule.
VDM's Reaction to the Viral Incident
In a detailed response shared on social media, VeryDarkMan expressed his reluctance to join in the laughter surrounding the president's fall. He emphasized Tinubu's advanced age, noting that the president is older than many social media users' fathers, and questioned whether they would mock their own parents in a similar situation. "A lot of you are laughing at the president. I wouldn't because he is older than my father; he is older than a lot of your fathers on social media. So if your father falls, shey you go laugh your father? The answer is no," VDM stated.
He further argued that while there are legitimate grounds for criticizing Tinubu's administration, mocking a physical stumble is senseless. VDM pointed out that such incidents are not unique to Tinubu, citing examples like U.S. President Joe Biden, who has also experienced similar slips. However, he expressed concern over the implications of the fall, suggesting it raises questions about the president's physical fitness to govern effectively. "As he don start to dey fall, he no fit rule. I can't laugh like others, but he is not fit to rule anymore," he added, highlighting his worries about Tinubu's health and capability.
Social Media Backlash and Mixed Reactions
VDM's comments ignited a flurry of reactions from netizens, with opinions sharply divided. Some users supported his call for respect, acknowledging the realities of aging and leadership demands. One commenter, mr_chiboi, noted, "Facts. Age is real, and leadership requires stamina, falling in public highlights vulnerabilities everyone sees but often ignores. It’s not about mockery, it’s about acknowledging that experience alone can’t always carry the physical demands of the job."
Others, however, dismissed VDM's stance as irrelevant or self-serving. Comments ranged from adumetaj123's blunt "Rubbish talk" to more pointed criticisms, such as miz__mk's remark: "Vdm needs to rest, he moves like over sabi and always wants to have an opinion.. he is fading and trying hard to be noticed. Btw Thiefnubu needs to rest for a better president to rule us like Peter obi." Another user, chinemelumma, suggested ulterior motives, questioning why VDM wouldn't laugh at "his boss, whom he works for as agent of distraction among Nigerians."
Broader Context and Related Developments
The incident has also fueled speculation and debate beyond the immediate mockery. In related news, actor Lege Miami claimed that the viral video of Tinubu's fall was AI-generated, adding another layer of controversy to the discussion. This assertion has further complicated public perception, with some questioning the authenticity of the footage.
Additionally, VDM's recent online activities have drawn attention, including his outcry after English Premier League club Arsenal reportedly blocked him on Instagram. On January 25, he posted evidence of being unable to access Arsenal's official page while still able to view rival Manchester United's, prompting him to query what he had done wrong. This episode underscores his active and often contentious presence on social media platforms.
Overall, the reaction to President Tinubu's fall in Turkey highlights broader issues of respect, aging, and leadership in Nigeria's political discourse. VeryDarkMan's intervention has sparked a necessary conversation about how public figures are treated in moments of vulnerability, even as it reveals deep-seated divisions among citizens regarding the current administration's fitness and performance.
