Viral Praise vs. Verified Truth: Why Nigerians Must Learn to Separate Admiration from Accuracy

By Otunba (Dr) Abdulfalil Abayomi Odunowo

In today’s Nigeria, where hope is scarce and disappointment runs deep, political loyalty often races ahead of facts. A glowing viral message recently flooded WhatsApp, Facebook, and X, praising Peter Obi’s record as governor of Anambra State. It was attributed to respected lawyer Dele Farotimi and painted an almost saintly picture: clearing every debt, leaving billions in savings, topping WAEC rankings for years, building hospitals, rejecting personal perks, and embodying flawless, selfless leadership.

For many weary Nigerians hungry for a better alternative, the message felt like fresh air emotional, detailed, and deeply flattering. It stirred something powerful: the longing for a leader who actually cares. But in our collective desperation, we must remember this painful truth: emotion alone does not make something true. Details can persuade, yet without evidence, they risk becoming dangerous illusions.

Let us be honest and fair from the start. Peter Obi’s tenure in Anambra deserves serious, respectful discussion. He is widely seen as more prudent and disciplined than many of his peers. He prioritized fiscal responsibility, returned mission schools to their owners, invested in education, improved healthcare infrastructure (including building a teaching hospital), attracted some investments, and helped elevate Anambra’s profile. These are real contributions that many acknowledge, and they offer legitimate grounds for admiration and debate.

But true admiration should never demand exaggeration or fabrication. When supporters claim a governor “did not borrow a single kobo” or left exact massive sums untouched, we owe it to ourselves and to Nigeria to check official records. When they assert the state ranked first in WAEC for three straight years under his watch, independent exam data should back it up. When they insist no family member benefited from government contracts, procurement records must be transparent and available for scrutiny.

This is not an attack on Peter Obi or his supporters. It is a heartfelt defense of truth the only foundation upon which a better Nigeria can be built.

Our country has suffered for too long from two toxic extremes that break our hearts and stall our progress: blind demonization of opponents and blind worship of favorites. One side paints every rival as evil incarnate. The other elevates their preferred leader to near-sainthood, untouchable and flawless. Both destroy the soul of democracy. Democracy does not thrive on myths or messiahs; it survives and grows through honest scrutiny, accountability, and the courage to face mixed realities.

The real tragedy here goes far beyond one politician. When well-meaning supporters inflate achievements, they unintentionally weaken the credible ones. The education improvements, the push for fiscal discipline, the infrastructure efforts these deserve celebration on their own merit, not diluted by overclaims that invite skepticism and backlash. Conversely, when critics dismiss everything outright, they insult the intelligence and hopes of ordinary Nigerians who simply want progress.

A mature nation chooses a wiser path: verify what is true, challenge what is false or overstated, and fairly acknowledge what is mixed or incomplete. Ask the questions that truly matter:

• What do audited accounts and Debt Management Office (DMO) records actually show about debt levels before, during, and after his tenure?

• What measurable, sustained improvements occurred in schools, hospitals, roads, security, and job creation?

• Were the reforms deep and institutional, or heavily dependent on one individual’s personality?

• Did successors build upon or erode the gains and why?

These questions are far more powerful and far more patriotic than simply asking “Who wrote the viral post?” or “Whose side are you on?”
We must also confront a deeper cultural wound: too many of us have come to accept that if a message flatters “our own,” accuracy no longer matters. This mentality is poison to our collective future. A falsehood told in service of a “good” candidate is still a falsehood. Exaggeration marketed as inspiration still erodes public trust and makes genuine reformers harder to believe when they emerge.

Political maturity calls us to a higher standard. It allows us to say, with both honesty and empathy:

“Yes, this leader achieved commendable things that deserve recognition.

Yes, some supporters overstated the record in their zeal.

And yes above all facts must matter more than fan clubs or viral forwards.”

That balance is how serious, self-respecting nations rise.

As 2027 draws closer, Nigerians must become much harder to deceive. Do not let your heart be moved solely by bullet points, impressive numbers, or famous names attached to a post. Demand sources. Demand official records. Demand proof.

Nigeria does not need more propaganda from any camp whether in defense or in opposition. What we desperately need is a citizenry trained to think critically, to hope wisely, and to hold every leader to the same high standard of truth.

That cultural and mental reform may well be the greatest transformation our country still awaits. And it must begin with each of us today.

Signed

Otunba (Dr) Abdulfalil Abayomi Odunowo
National chairman
Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu support group (AATSG)