It is VDM Time Nigeria: Young Nigerian Calls on Top Activists Omoyele Sowore, Nnamdi Kanu & VDM to Form a Political Party
By Dun Jo Ogun
In a stirring online video that is rapidly gaining traction among Nigeria’s disenchanted youth, a young Nigerian—bold, fired up, and politically awakened—has issued a passionate call to action: it’s VDM Time, Nigeria!
The video, which appears to be inspired by the controversial and blunt-talking social commentator popularly known as VDM (Very Dark Man), urges Nigeria’s leading activist voices—Omoyele Sowore, Nnamdi Kanu, and VDM himself—to set aside their ideological and ethnic differences and form a united political front to challenge Nigeria’s entrenched political elite.
But First, What Is a Ratel?
A ratel, also known as the honey badger, is a small but fierce mammal known for its toughness, aggression, and fearlessness. Despite its size, the ratel is infamous for taking on animals much larger than itself—including lions and venomous snakes. In the Nigerian activist context, the term “Ratel” has been adopted by followers of VDM to symbolize resistance, audacity, and defiance in the face of tyranny.
VDM, whose biting social commentary targets everyone from Nollywood stars to corrupt officials, embodies the spirit of the ratel: brutally honest, unfiltered, and often controversial. His fearless takedowns of hypocrisy, tribalism, and injustice have earned him a loyal but polarizing fan base.
Who Are the Followers of Sowore & Kanu?
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Sowore’s followers, are drawn from Nigeria’s progressive and revolutionary circles. Many are young, educated Nigerians disillusioned by decades of failed governance. They rally behind Sowore’s message of direct action, free speech, and radical reform.
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Nnamdi Kanu’s followers are often referred to as Biafrans or IPOB (Indigenous People of Biafra) supporters. Their movement is centered on the self-determination of the Igbo people and secessionist calls for the rebirth of the Republic of Biafra. Despite being labeled as extremists by the Nigerian state, many see them as freedom fighters standing against marginalization.
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VDM followers have a formal name RATELs , but they behave much like “Digital Ratels”—armed with smartphones and strong opinions, they amplify his viral videos and echo his crusade against what he calls “nonsense” in Nigerian society.
Why Are Nigerian Activists Not Cooperating?
The Nigerian activist space is unfortunately fragmented—tribal, ideological, and personal egos often get in the way of strategic unity. Sowore represents a pan-Nigerian, urban-leftist revolutionary stance. Kanu’s message is ethnically rooted and separatist. VDM straddles the line between activism and influencer culture—his loyalty is to truth-telling, not any political bloc.
Attempts at unity have often failed because:
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Mutual distrust: Some see others as compromised or too extreme.
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Ethnic divisions: Tribal suspicions remain high, especially in a deeply fractured Nigeria.
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Different end goals: Sowore wants to “take Nigeria back,” Kanu wants out of Nigeria, and VDM wants to torch everything hypocritical in sight.
Yet, as the young Nigerian in the viral video argues, “The enemy is united—why aren’t we?”
The Call to Action: It’s VDM Time!
This is a rallying cry. The youth are tired of the old ways. Tired of choosing between a corrupt elite and toothless opposition. Tired of activism that doesn’t translate into power.
Why not form a political party?
Imagine a new front:
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Omoyele Sowore: the tactician, the veteran of political organization, with grassroots energy and international credibility.
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Nnamdi Kanu: the lightning rod, the man whose voice, even in detention, can electrify a region.
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VDM: the cultural agitator, the megaphone to the streets and social media battlegrounds.
This isn’t just a political fantasy—it could be a revolutionary strategy. A new political party, not built on ethnicity or religion, but on fearless truth, justice, and generational change.
An Invitation to All Ratels, IPOB Youths, and VDM Fans
To every Ratel tired of empty protests…
To every Biafran youth tired of being scapegoated…
To every VDM follower sick of performative wokeness…
It’s time to unite.
Not just for noise.
Not just for clout.
But for power. Real political power.
Let the revolution be organized. Let the truth be weaponized. Let the youth be mobilized.
VDM Time isn’t just an attitude—it could be a movement.