Breeding Beasts: The Dangerous Rise of Politically Sponsored Online Bullying
There was a time when political disagreements in Nigeria were largely confined to town halls, newspaper columns, and heated conversations in public spaces. Today, those disagreements have found a new battleground—the digital space. Unfortunately, what should have been an avenue for healthy engagement and democratic participation has increasingly turned into a toxic arena dominated by politically sponsored online bullies.
It is now common knowledge that one must think twice before posting opinions online, especially when they concern political figures. A simple comment, criticism, or even a neutral observation can trigger a barrage of attacks from what many now refer to as “keypad warriors.” These individuals, often operating under anonymity or with clear political alignment, descend aggressively on perceived opponents, deploying insults, misinformation, and coordinated harassment.
This trend did not emerge overnight. The seeds were planted around 2015, a pivotal year in Nigeria’s political evolution, when social media became a powerful campaign tool. However, by 2023, the phenomenon had escalated into something far more dangerous. Political discourse became heavily weaponized, and online engagement took a darker turn. What was once spirited debate has now devolved into outright bullying, with vulgar language, threats, and coordinated trolling becoming the norm rather than the exception.
More troubling is the way identity politics has been woven into this toxicity. Support for a political candidate is no longer seen as a matter of personal conviction or ideological alignment. Instead, it is often framed through ethnic, regional, or religious lenses. Ironically, while some individuals openly champion candidates from their own regions, others are labeled as ethnic bigots for doing the same. This double standard has deepened divisions and normalized hostility across fault lines that already challenge national unity.
In this environment, politics has become synonymous with bitterness. Civility is dismissed as weakness, and aggression is rewarded with visibility and influence. Behind many of these online bullies are political actors who either directly sponsor them or tacitly encourage their behavior. For these sponsors, the chaos serves a purpose—intimidating opponents, controlling narratives, and dominating the digital conversation.
But this strategy is dangerously short-sighted.
History has shown that forces created for convenience can quickly spiral out of control. The same online mobs that are unleashed against opponents today can easily turn against their sponsors tomorrow. When individuals are conditioned to attack without restraint, loyalty becomes fragile, and control becomes an illusion. The “beasts” that are bred in the heat of political competition may eventually devour their creators.
There is, of course, the question of regulation. Governments could step in to sanitize the online political space, enforce stricter rules against harassment, and hold offenders accountable. However, such moves are often met with suspicion and resistance, quickly labeled as attempts to suppress freedom of speech, expression, and association. In a democracy, this concern is valid and cannot be dismissed lightly.
Yet, the responsibility does not rest solely with the government.
The greater burden lies with politicians themselves—the alleged sponsors and beneficiaries of this toxic ecosystem. Leadership is not just about winning elections; it is about setting standards. Politicians must recognize the long-term consequences of enabling online bullying and take deliberate steps to discourage it. Calling supporters to order, promoting issue-based engagement, and refusing to reward toxic behavior are critical starting points.
Ultimately, the digital space reflects the values of its participants. If politics continues to reward hostility, division, and abuse, the consequences will extend far beyond social media timelines. It will shape public discourse, influence young minds, and erode the very foundations of democratic engagement.
The warning is clear: the fire being ignited today for political gain may become the inferno that consumes its creators tomorrow. And when that time comes, even those who once commanded the loudest online armies may find themselves with nowhere to hide.
Happy Sunday from here.
Samson Balogun - Mc Captain
Samson Anuoluwapo Balogun
@highlight