In today’s contemporary media space, the voices of political, commercial and social influencers help shape the way Nigerians see each other and their nation. Their positions, tweets and declarations often have more weight than formal discourses, acting as indications for public values, fears and aspirations.
A recent collection of messages published on Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin by Nigerian influencers (see play 1) between April 23 and July 6, 2025 depicts a convincing image of a country in reflection, in resistance and redefinition. Whether it is to address politics, religion, identity or development, these voices are more than reacting. They actively shape the national conversation.
Part 1: selected influencers and number of messages analyzed
Register For TEKEDIA Mini-MBA Edition 18 (September 15 – December 6, 2025)) Today for early reductions. An annual for access to Blurara.com.
Tekedia Ai in Masterclass Business open registration.
Join Tekedia Capital Syndicate and co-INivest in large world startups.
Register become a better CEO or director with CEO program and director of Tekedia.
One of the strongest currents of these messages is politics and democracy. With growing political defections, influencers like the former president of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, expressed their concern concerning the state of loyalty of the party and democratic integrity. He argued that the Popular Democratic Party (PDP) was better with “fewer members who are loyal, sincere, determined and committed” rather than those who change allegiance in an opportunistic way. Likewise, one of the influencers reminded the Nigerians that Peter Obi won more than 6 million votes in 2023 despite the governor’s lack of support, suggesting that the real democratic impetus comes from citizens, not from political elites. These interventions highlight the growing frustration of transactional policy and the desire for more in -depth political responsibility.
Moral leadership has also become a major theme, especially after the death of Pope Francis. Influencers from different sectors offered rich tributes that revealed the symbolic power of the Pope in the moral landscape of Nigeria. President Tinubu called him “humble servant of God” and “tireless champion of the poor”, while Peter Obi recalled their three personal meetings and praised him as a voice for justice and human dignity. These tributes suggest that many Nigerians look beyond their borders for more clarity and are impatient to direct, religious or political, which embody compassion, courage and service.
Beyond politics and religion, influencers are also deeply reflected in social identity and public behavior, especially in digital space. A widely shared article said: “I don’t just publish, I launch ideas with precision.” This feeling reflects a growing desire among influencers to be considered as thinkers and manufacturers of changes rather than simple artists. Others have rejected online toxicity, warning that “social media and insults are like 5 and 6” in Nigeria today. These voices speak of a broader fight on the way in which Nigerians relate to each other in public, and the damage that hostility, lagging fishing and uncontrolled tribalism can cause.
Cultural pride and heritage were also at the heart of the messages of many influencers. The Governor of the State of Lagos, Babajide Sanwo-sol, stressed the importance of the Fanti carnival, claiming that he reaffirmed his belief in the role of heritage in the formation “of a confident, creative and united lagos”. By celebrating indigenous festivals and historic communities like Isale-Eko, Campos and Olowogbowo, leaders strengthen cultural identity as a counterbalance in global pressures and urban erasure.
At the same time, influencers do not move away from difficult truths on the security and inequalities of Nigeria. A commentator noted how lands belonging to historic public schools from Kaduna – built by colonialists or leaders like Ahmadu Bello – were sold for private residences and shopping centers. In another tragic example, journalists from the Sahara shared the story of the Easter celebrants in Gombe who were killed by a truck in what was suspected of being a terrorist act. These events have triggered emotional reactions, influencers urging better governance and stronger community responsibility.
Despite these challenges, there is a thread of hope and active citizenship woven through many messages. One of the most edifying moments came from the world celebration of the Tunde Onakoya chess champion, who broke a world record Guinness. Influencers like Sanwo-soli have used the opportunity to rent the perseverance and excellence of young people. In the same spirit, Peter Obi made donations to a Catholic orphanage and an Anglican hospital, reinforcing the idea that leadership must be rooted in human service, not only public image.
What do all these voices and messages represent? They reflect a Nigeria which is in depth of itself. They show a tired people of political gadgets, aspiring to a moral leadership, proud of their roots and eager for a society where kindness, creativity and justice can prosper.
The power of these messages lies not only in their content, but in their collective direction. They build a public conscience which questions silence and cynicism. When influencers take a stand, share their sorrow or celebrate progress, they do not only react. They write the history of the future of Nigeria.
Publisher’s note: This article is a product of infoprations’ Project of communication strategies for the Nigerian influencer project, 2025. The team includes Abdulazeez Sikiru Zikirullah, Moshood Sodiq Opeyemi, Bello Opeyemi Zakariyha and Oni Oluwaseun.
