As the countdown to Nigeria’s 2027 general elections gathers steam, conversations about the role of youth activism and political participation are heating up online. In a recent viral post, a Nigerian man sparked debate after criticizing those who spend their time engaging in “Ratels” on social media instead of focusing on the country’s political future. His comments have set off a flurry of reactions, shining a light on the ongoing tension between entertainment-driven online communities and those pushing for deeper political engagement.
But first, what exactly are “Ratels” in the Nigerian context? The term “Ratels” has become a slang reference to online games, challenges, gossip, and viral trends that dominate Twitter (now X), TikTok, and Instagram timelines. For many young Nigerians, participating in Ratels is a way to blow off steam, find community, and keep up with the latest gist. However, critics argue that these activities distract from the nation’s more pressing issues, especially as Nigeria heads towards another pivotal election season.
The man’s now widely-shared post was blunt in its messaging. “If, in 2026, you are still doing Ratels, you are very d^mb,” he wrote, urging fellow citizens to shift their focus toward the 2027 elections. According to him, the months leading up to the polls present a rare chance for Nigerians to rally behind competent candidates and influence the outcome of what could be a defining moment for the nation. Rather than spending hours on viral trends or online dramas, he called on Nigerians to channel their energy into political advocacy, voter education, and grassroots mobilization.
His criticism didn’t stop there. He also referenced one of Nigeria’s most prominent social media activists, VeryDarkMan, suggesting that, “in a working country, people like VeryDarkMan wouldn’t have to stress themselves calling people out.” This statement struck a nerve online, as it raised questions about the effectiveness of social media activism versus traditional political action.
VeryDarkMan, known for his outspoken videos and unfiltered commentary on issues ranging from police brutality to celebrity scandals, has amassed a devoted following. For many, his activism represents the power of digital platforms to confront corruption and demand accountability from those in power. But for others, the man’s post echoed a growing sentiment that social media “call-outs” and viral campaigns, while loud, may not translate into lasting change unless they are paired with real-world political engagement.
The conversation quickly spilled over into the comments section, where Nigerians from all walks of life weighed in with their own hot takes. @El Victor, a frequent commentator on X, sided with the original post, saying, “Him saying it, in a working country peeps like him don’t have anything valuable to offer.” This view reflects a segment of Nigerians who believe that online activism is a symptom of a broken system—one where citizens are forced to use unconventional means to make their voices heard.
For others, however, dismissing Ratels and social media activism outright misses the point. “Some of us started caring about politics because of what we saw online,” replied @AdaOnyeoma, a youth organizer in Enugu. “If not for Twitter spaces and Instagram lives, would people even know what’s going on in government? Not everyone can join a political party or march on the street.” Her perspective echoes that of many young Nigerians who see digital spaces as their primary avenue for civic engagement, especially in a country where traditional political structures can feel inaccessible.
The tension between these two camps—those calling for more hands-on political involvement and those defending online activism—reflects deeper questions about what it means to participate in Nigeria’s democracy today. The 2027 elections are shaping up to be a major test for the country’s future, with issues like youth unemployment, insecurity, and economic reform dominating the conversation. With over half of Nigeria’s population under the age of 30, the choices young people make about how to get involved could tip the balance.
There’s also the argument that both sides have something to offer. Political scientist Dr. Funmi Adeyemi told NowahalaZone.com, “We shouldn’t underestimate the power of online activism. It can set the agenda and mobilize people in a way that physical rallies sometimes can’t. But if it stops online, then we miss the chance for real change. The key is to connect the energy on social media with actual political action—registering to vote, joining campaigns, holding leaders accountable offline as well as online.”
As the debate rages on, one thing is clear: Nigerians are paying attention. Whether through Ratels, viral videos, or boots-on-the-ground campaigning, the road to 2027 is already buzzing with anticipation and argument. As @Dare2Dream wrote in response to the original post, “Let people do both. We need laughter and light, but we also need action. Nigeria is too big for one way only.”
- A Nigerian man criticized people engaging in ‘Ratels’ online and called for more political involvement.
- He said, “If, in 2026, you are still doing Ratels, you are very d^mb.”
- The post referenced social media activist VeryDarkMan and questioned the role of online campaigns.
