By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
In Nigeria, politics is never short of drama — but sometimes, the drama is less about ballot boxes and more about English grammar.
This was the case on Saturday when activist and lawyer, Adeyanju Deji, found himself at the receiving end of a social media storm after a Facebook post he made about the Anambra State House of Assembly by-election in Onitsha North Constituency 1.
Deji, in mocking the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Justina Amaka Azuka — widely supported by the “Obidient” movement loyal to Peter Obi — wrote: “So this lady lost but they announced her victory on socio medium.”
Almost immediately, his comment section erupted. Not over the politics, but over the grammar.
Critics pointed out that the correct term should have been “social media” — not “socio medium.” For many commenters, that slip of English quickly overshadowed his political jab. They called him names like “baby lawyer,” “charge-and-bail lawyer,” and even taunted that “a lawyer that doesn’t understand grammar shouldn’t mock others.”
READ ALSO:Meet the World’s Deadliest Assassin: Bad Grammar
Politics Lost in Translation
While Deji’s central point was that INEC declared the APGA candidate, Mimiy Ikpeazu Azikiwe, winner, despite Obidients announcing Azuka’s victory on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, the choice of the phrase “socio medium” became the headline issue. Instead of his criticism sticking, it was his grammar that got people talking.
Observers argue that in today’s political communication, language is as important as the message itself. A grammatical slip can quickly turn into a viral dragging, especially when directed at a group as active online as Peter Obi’s supporters.
READ ALSO:Makinde Visits Fresh FM Ibadan, Sympathizes with Ayefele After Fire Outbreak
The Power of Wording
The debate raises an interesting point about the intersection of grammar and politics in Nigeria. In an era where elections are contested both at polling units and on Facebook timelines, even a minor misuse of words can shift the narrative.
For the Obidient supporters, Deji’s wording error was an opportunity to flip the script. Rather than defend Azuka’s “social media victory,” they dragged him for his diction — thereby weakening his argument.
Beyond the Mockery
At the heart of the matter, however, lies a political reality: while online narratives are powerful, INEC’s official announcement remains final. Azuka may have trended as a “winner” on Facebook, but APGA’s candidate, Mimiy Ikpeazu Azikiwe, has the certificate of return.
READ ALSO:Ajadi Celebrates Juju Legend Femolancaster’s 50th Birthday in the UK
Deji’s post, intentional or not, has now exposed the fine line public figures must walk between political banter and linguistic precision. In a country where grammar wars are often as heated as political battles, one wrong phrase can change the direction of discourse entirely.
