A fresh controversy has erupted on social media after PIDOMNIGERIA, a prominent X user known as @UNOFFICIALFACT, challenged presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga over his swift condemnation of social commentator VeryDarkMan (VDM) for sharing what Onanuga called a “fake audio clip” of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The dispute, which gained traction on May 27, 2026, centers on whether the viral audio circulating online was manipulated using artificial intelligence or an authentic recording. PIDOMNIGERIA claimed that one version of the video was doctored with AI-generated audio, while another was the original clip posted by VDM.
According to Bayo Onanuga, VDM should face legal consequences for spreading the alleged fake audio. He stated, “VDM needs to face the weight of the law for being the disseminator of a fake audio of Pres. Tinubu.” However, PIDOMNIGERIA pushed back, asserting that the left video in the comparison was fake and the right one was genuine. In his post, he wrote: “Left video fake. Right video original. The left video was doctored with an AI generated audio of president Tinubu. The right video is the original video from VDM where he called out Tinubu’s promise of not to be re-elected for a 2nd term, if he doesn’t provide steady electricity for Nigerians, in his first 4 years.” He urged Onanuga to verify facts before issuing threats, reminding him, “You are a presidential spokesman, do your homework to verify.”
The post sparked intense reactions across social media platforms, with Nigerians debating the credibility of government statements, the dangers of misinformation, and the growing use of AI in manipulating digital content. Some users questioned the integrity of official communications, with Michael Micah🪙 commenting, “I laugh. If a minister of information could be lying and spreading false information, what kind of information will he bring out that will be Truth?” Others accused the administration of deflecting from pressing issues, as nkemchimex⚡ noted, “They are trying to distract us from the denial of loan from World bank.”
Criticism also targeted Onanuga’s priorities, with Caroline Monday pointing out, “Up till today Mr Bayo has not condemned the kidnapping of 40 children but quick to defend Tinubu.” Meanwhile, Phill Better praised PIDOMNIGERIA’s clarification, saying, “Honestly na only you I see say you wise, the rest people don already Dey talk nonsense. Kudos to you bro.” The debate also highlighted public skepticism toward official narratives, as Legit Wears observed, “You look at the people surrounding the president and you know the country ain’t going nowhere.”
As the digital landscape becomes more complex, this incident underscores the urgent need for fact-checking and responsible communication, especially from public officials. The controversy also highlights how AI-generated content is increasingly blurring the line between truth and fiction, making it harder for the public to discern credible information. The outcome of this dispute may influence how future claims of misinformation are handled in Nigeria’s evolving media environment.
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