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Is Atiku’s Claim That 90% Of Nigerian Northerners Are Not On Social Media true?

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4 years ago

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Atiku claimed on the 22nd of July 2022 while responding to questions on the chances of Labour Party candidate, Peter Obi at the presidential polls:

“It is very difficult to expect a miracle to happen, simply because Peter Obi is in the Labour Party. After all, they were saying through social media, they had more than one million votes in Osun state,” he said.

“But how many voters turned for the Labour Party? And then again, mark you, you’re talking about social media. In the north, 90 percent of our people are not tuned to social media.”

 This claim is FALSE!

Here is what we know … 

The last population projection published by the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in 2020 put the total population of the 19 states in northern Nigeria at 106,178,794 in 2019. At an annual population growth rate of 2.5 percent according to the world bank, the figure will amount to 111,554,094 in 2021. Arithmetically, 90% of 111,554,094 is 95,560,914.

However, according to the NBS Telecoms Data report for 2021, the total number of active internet subscriptions in the northern region is 65,727,075. While the total number of internet users does not automatically translate to social media usage, a report published in October 2021 by Data Report, a global digital insights platform, estimates that at least 50% of internet users are active on social media.

50% of 65,727,075 translates to 32,863,537 which is about 29% of the total population of Northern Nigeria.

It is also worthwhile to note that social media user numbers are still growing steadily, with an average of 13 new users starting to use social media for the first time every single second per Data Report.

Also, there is no reliable data source that gives credence to the claim by the former Vice President

Conclusion

The claim by Atiku Abubakar that 90% of Northerners are not on social media is FALSE 

[Remember to fact-check anything before you share it. Don’t engage, Don’t amplify]

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FACT CHECK: Episode 114 Was Ikeja Electric Named “Worst Company of the Year 2025?

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1 month ago

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March 14, 2026

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Did Ikeja Electric Win the “Worst Company of the Year 2025” Award? (Fact-Check)

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1 month ago

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March 13, 2026

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We fact-checked the viral claim that Ikeja Electric was named “Worst Company of the Year 2025” and that its executives received “Worst Business People” awards. Read the verdict.

A provocative message has been spreading rapidly across WhatsApp groups and other social media platforms in Nigeria. The claim is direct: Ikeja Electric was recognized as the Worst Company of the Year 2025.

The message goes further, alleging that the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Folake Soetan, and Board Chairman, Kola Adesina, received a specific award titled Worst Business People. The supposed presenter of this award was the Nigerian Global Business Forum.

We asked a simple question: Did this actually happen?

We conducted a thorough investigation to verify this claim:

  1. Searched for Official Announcements: We found no official press statement, event report, or award listing from the Nigerian Global Business Forum regarding a “Worst Company” award.
  2. Reputable News Platforms: Credible Nigerian and global media outlets that cover the power sector have no record of this award. If a major national distributor had been publicly named “worst company,” it would have been widely reported.
  3. Examined Context (Regulatory Action): While the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) did seal Ikeja Electric’s headquarters in December 2025 over compliance issues, regulatory enforcement is not the same as a global “worst company” award.
  4. Checked Previous Recognitions: In prior years, Ikeja Electric has received industry awards for performance and gender diversity, contradicting the claim of a consistent “worst” performance.
  5. Direct Company Response: Ikeja Electric has publicly denied the report and announced plans for a forensic investigation and possible legal action against those responsible for spreading the claim.

After examining all available evidence, one fact stands clear: There is no verifiable record that Ikeja Electric, its CEO, or its Chairman received any official “Worst Company of the Year 2025” or “Worst Business People” award.

This story circulating online is a headline without proof.

Our verdict is: Unverified. Until credible proof exists, this claim must be considered unverified misinformation.

When dramatic and provocative claims appear, especially those that damage reputations, it is crucial to pause and check. Look for official sources and independent confirmation. Absence of evidence does not prove innocence, but bold accusations require credible proof.

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African News

100 Editions Strong!

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11 months ago

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May 14, 2025

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Today, we proudly mark the 100th edition of the WABMA Fake News Debunker — published consistently in audio, video, and text formats.

This milestone is more than just a number. It is a testament to our resilience, commitment, and belief in the power of truth. For nearly two years, through changing tides and persistent challenges, we have worked tirelessly to expose misinformation, challenge disinformation, and protect the public discourse in West Africa.

Fake news undermines democracy, endangers lives, and erodes trust. That is why we have stayed the course — week after week — empowering citizens with facts, and strengthening media literacy across communities.

Thank you to every researcher, producer, presenter, and supporter who made this possible.
The work continues — because truth still matters.

WABMA100 #FakeNewsDebunker #StopTheSpread #MediaMatters #WestAfrica #Misinformation #FactChecking #WABMA

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