Tinubu-VDM Saga Takes New Twist as Laolu Akande Questions Presidency’s Response to Viral Audio

 Former presidential spokesman Laolu Akande says the Presidency should have verified the authenticity of the controversial audio linked to President Bola Tinubu before issuing a public response amid the growing VeryDarkMan controversy.

The controversy surrounding an alleged leaked audio involving President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and popular social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has continued to generate heated debate across Nigeria.

Adding his voice to the conversation, former presidential spokesperson Laolu Akande has argued that the Presidency should have first authenticated the controversial video and audio recording before issuing any official reaction.

Akande made the remarks during an appearance on Channels Television while discussing the growing public interest in the dispute between the Presidency and VeryDarkMan.

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The controversy began after an audio recording allegedly linked to President Tinubu surfaced online and quickly spread across social media platforms. The recording, which was widely circulated by internet users and political commentators, sparked mixed reactions among Nigerians, with many questioning its authenticity.

As the conversation gained momentum, the Presidency moved swiftly to dismiss the claims surrounding the recording. However, Akande believes a more cautious approach would have been appropriate.

According to him, government institutions and public officials should prioritize verification before making public statements on sensitive matters capable of influencing public perception.

He noted that in an era dominated by artificial intelligence, deepfakes, and digitally manipulated content, verifying the authenticity of audio and video materials has become more important than ever.

Akande stressed that technological advancements now make it possible to alter voices, images, and videos in ways that can mislead the public. Because of this, he argued that authorities should ensure proper authentication procedures are completed before responding to controversial content.

His comments have since sparked further discussions among political observers and social media users, many of whom believe the issue highlights the growing challenge of misinformation in the digital age.

The alleged audio leak has also intensified conversations around the influence of social media personalities in Nigeria's political landscape. VeryDarkMan, known for his outspoken commentary on social and political issues, commands a massive online following and frequently generates national conversations through his posts and videos.

Supporters of the activist argue that public figures and government institutions should address concerns raised online with transparency rather than immediately dismissing them. Others, however, insist that unverified content should not be treated as credible evidence without proper investigation.

The debate comes at a time when governments, media organizations, and technology experts around the world are grappling with the challenges posed by fake news and manipulated digital content.

Analysts say the situation serves as a reminder of the importance of media literacy and fact-checking, especially in politically sensitive matters where misinformation can spread rapidly and influence public opinion.

While the Presidency has maintained its position regarding the alleged recording, discussions surrounding the authenticity of the audio and the broader implications of the controversy continue to dominate conversations online.

As Nigerians await further developments, Akande's comments have introduced another dimension to the debate, raising questions about how public institutions should respond when controversial digital content emerges.

Whether the alleged recording is eventually proven authentic or false, the incident has once again highlighted the growing impact of social media on governance, political communication, and public discourse in Nigeria.

For now, the Tinubu-VDM controversy remains one of the country's most talked-about political stories, with citizens closely monitoring reactions from all sides and awaiting any new evidence or official clarification that may emerge in the coming days.