Shehu Sani Urges Caution in Social Media Use Amid Obi–Adeyanju Dispute

Former Kaduna Central senator, Shehu Sani, has advised Nigerian youths to exercise restraint in their use of social media, cautioning against the habit of posting every thought online.

His remarks come in the wake of the escalating legal battle between Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and political activist Deji Adeyanju.

Obi recently initiated legal proceedings against Adeyanju over alleged defamatory remarks in which the activist described him as fraudulent.

Adeyanju has, however, maintained his stance, insisting he is prepared to meet Obi in court to defend his comments.

The clash has sparked widespread debate on political discourse in Nigeria, particularly on social media platforms. Supporters of Obi, including activist Aisha Yesufu, have demanded that Adeyanju produce evidence to back his claims, while others argue that the dispute reflects the dangers of unverified accusations gaining traction online.

Amid this tension, Shehu Sani weighed in with a cautionary message directed at Nigerian youths, who are often at the center of online political activism. He stressed that while social media remains an important tool for expression, users must learn the discipline of self-restraint.

“Don’t post everything in your mind,” Sani advised, warning that words written in haste can carry legal and social consequences.

The former lawmaker noted that political conversations have largely shifted from town halls and campaign rallies to online platforms, where heated exchanges and misinformation often dominate.

According to him, this shift requires a greater sense of responsibility from young people, who form the bulk of Nigeria’s online community.

Sani’s intervention comes as observers warn that the Obi–Adeyanju dispute could set a precedent for how politicians handle defamatory speech in the digital space.

Legal experts have also noted that the outcome may influence the balance between free expression and accountability in Nigeria’s evolving online political culture.

For many, the saga underscores a broader question: how can citizens leverage social media as a space for civic engagement without crossing the line into defamation or reckless commentary?