Afrobeat singer Seun Kuti has made public claims that social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), initially agreed to join the Movement of the People (MOP) before later withdrawing from the arrangement. The revelation came during a recent interview where Seun recounted his first encounter with VDM, which he said occurred during a tense period when entertainment executive Paulo Okoye allegedly used police forces to have the activist arrested. Seun stated that he and human rights activist Omoyele Sowore stood in solidarity with VDM during that incident, offering him support and protection.
According to Seun, it was during this time that he first discussed the possibility of VDM joining MOP. He emphasized that the conversation took place in 2023 and that VDM had initially expressed willingness to be part of the movement. “VDM is a deceiver; he told me he would join, but later he told me he wasn’t interested,” Seun said in a statement shared on social media. He further clarified that he never pressured the activist to commit, stressing that the decision to join or decline was entirely VDM’s own.
Seun’s comments have sparked widespread discussion across Nigerian social media platforms, with users divided over the credibility of the claims. Some have expressed frustration over what they see as a betrayal of political solidarity, while others have defended VDM’s right to personal autonomy. One user, @FidelisAda93749, noted, “While it is frustrating when an ally backtracks on a movement like MOP, public figures often prioritize personal autonomy over structured political commitments.” Another, @Bigkhiyan, responded, “In as much as VDM is manipulative, I don’t support this Seun.”
The exchange has also prompted curiosity about the dynamics between public figures and political movements in Nigeria. @bigwiz798862 asked, “So who should we believe now? 👀”, while @Victoriousdivy commented, “You de use VDM play.” Others, like @Jaredxx92, found the story intriguing, saying, “Interesting to hear this version of the story.” @tyricksznn added, “Omo VDM no small o,” highlighting the activist’s influence in online discourse.
As debates continue online, the incident underscores the complex relationships between artists, activists, and political movements in Nigeria. Seun’s disclosure may prompt further scrutiny of how alliances are formed and maintained in the country’s evolving political landscape. The story also raises questions about transparency and accountability in grassroots movements, especially as public figures increasingly engage in political advocacy. What happens next could influence how future collaborations between celebrities and activists are perceived and managed.
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