Social media activist Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has reacted to the ongoing conversations around electoral reform, describing the movement as ineffective due to what he believes is a lack of strong leadership.
VDM argued that major political figures such as Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, and Nasir El-Rufai should be the ones taking the lead in pushing for electoral changes, rather than young Nigerians or online activists carrying the burden.
His comments came after a protest reportedly led by Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi at the National Assembly on Monday, February 9. The protest was said to focus on calls for reforms ahead of the 2027 general elections, including demands for proper electronic transmission of election results.
In a video shared online, VDM made it clear that he has no interest in participating in electoral reform discussions, stating that he believes the process is already set to fail.
According to him, politicians who actively contest elections should be responsible for driving reform efforts, while youths should instead play a supportive role.
He said:
“I can’t waste my time on electoral reform because it is dead on arrival. Peter Obi, Atiku, El-Rufai, and other candidates are the ones supposed to be at the forefront pushing for the reforms. The youths are supposed to support them from behind.”
VDM further explained that since electoral reforms directly impact politicians seeking office, they should be the ones leading the push rather than ordinary citizens or social media influencers.
Known for his outspoken and often controversial opinions on political and social matters, the activist maintained that he would prefer to focus his attention on other issues rather than participating in the electoral reform debate.