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Contractors’ Protest Video Falsely Linked to Finance Minister’s Removal
A video circulating on social media falsely claims to show ministry workers celebrating the removal of Wale Edun as Nigeria’s finance minister with a mock funeral. Investigation reveals the footage actually depicts a protest by unpaid government contractors from December 2025, months before Edun’s dismissal.
The misleading video shows individuals signing what appears to be a condolence register next to a symbolic casket placed on plastic chairs, with a poster bearing Edun’s image. The footage includes people making exaggerated wailing sounds in the background, creating the impression of a celebration of his departure.
The video gained significant traction after being shared on X (formerly Twitter), accumulating over 14,000 views along with numerous comments, likes, and reposts. One user who shared it wrote: “Disturbing video of workers opening a condolence register to celebrate Wale Edun’s removal as minister of finance. I will not be the only one to watch this.”
Another prominent social media personality, Rinu Oduala, amplified the false narrative by claiming the mock obituary was staged by members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nigeria’s ruling party. She used the video to call for the party’s removal from power, writing: “If they can do this amongst themselves, imagine what they will do to you. Kick APC out today.”
The mischaracterization spread further when an account called ADC Vanguard shared the clip with the caption: “BREAKING: Shock as staff celebrate Wale Edun’s removal with what appears to be a condolence register, exposing the depth of anger against the former minister.”
Fact-checking efforts by CableCheck using reverse image search technology revealed the video actually originated in December 2025, well before Edun’s recent dismissal. The footage documents a legitimate protest by local contractors at the federal ministry of finance in Abuja, who were demonstrating against unpaid debts for completed government projects.
In the original context, the contractors had arranged a symbolic casket and condolence register as a dramatic gesture to highlight their financial plight. Banners visible in the background reveal the protest’s true nature, with one reading: “National Assembly folding their hands watching Nigerian contractors suffer injustice over unpaid 2024 projects and capital projects.” Another banner identifies the group as the “All Indigenous Contractors Association of Nigeria (AICAN)” and lists their demands regarding withheld project funds.
The protest was covered at the time by multiple credible news organizations, including TheCable, PUNCH, Arise TV, and The Whistler, establishing the video’s genuine context.
The recycling of this footage coincides with President Bola Tinubu’s recent cabinet reshuffle, in which he replaced Edun with Taiwo Oyedele, who previously served as minister of state for finance. The president also replaced Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, minister of housing and urban development, with Muttaqha Rabe Darma.
According to George Akume, secretary to the government of the federation, these changes were implemented to “strengthen cohesion and synergy in governance” and improve economic outcomes for Nigerians.
The misleading framing of the contractors’ protest video highlights the ongoing challenge of misinformation in Nigeria’s political discourse, particularly during periods of administrative change. The rapid spread of the false narrative across multiple social media platforms demonstrates how easily context can be manipulated to create misleading political narratives.
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16 Comments
This fact check serves as a reminder to be cautious about viral videos and claims on social media. It’s important to scrutinize the sources and context before accepting them as truth.
Well said. Fact-checking initiatives like this one help keep the public informed and prevent the spread of harmful falsehoods. Kudos to the Disinformation Commission for their diligent work.
This fact check highlights the need for critical thinking when consuming online content. It’s easy for old or unrelated footage to be repurposed to push false narratives. Kudos to the Commission for setting the record straight.
Exactly. Verifying information and identifying misinformation is crucial in the digital age. This is a valuable service the Commission provides to the public.
The Disinformation Commission’s fact check highlights the importance of verifying the accuracy of online content before sharing or believing it. This is a valuable service to the public.
Absolutely. Combating the spread of misinformation is crucial, as it can have real-world consequences. The Commission’s efforts in this case are commendable.
While the dismissal of a finance minister is newsworthy, this video appears to be a clear case of misinformation. I appreciate the detailed investigation to uncover the true context behind the footage.
Agreed, it’s important to separate fact from fiction, especially when it comes to sensitive political issues. The Commission’s work in this case helps maintain public trust.
This is a good example of how old footage can be repurposed to create false narratives. It’s important to scrutinize the source and context of online videos before sharing or believing them.
Absolutely. Fact-checking is essential to combat the spread of misinformation, which can have real consequences. Well done by the Disinformation Commission to debunk this false claim.
It’s concerning to see how quickly misinformation can spread on social media. This fact check demonstrates the importance of responsible journalism and fact-checking to counter the proliferation of false claims.
I concur. Fact-checking initiatives like this help maintain the integrity of public discourse and prevent the spread of harmful falsehoods. Well done to the Disinformation Commission.
Interesting fact check. It’s important to verify the accuracy of social media claims, especially those involving government officials. This video seems to be a misrepresentation of an unrelated protest by unpaid contractors.
Agreed, the video was clearly taken out of context and used to spread misinformation. It’s crucial to be cautious about such misleading content online.
This video seems to be a clear case of misinformation, using old footage to create a false narrative. I’m glad the Disinformation Commission has investigated and debunked this claim.
Agreed. Fact-checking is essential in the digital age, where information can be easily manipulated and spread rapidly. The Commission’s work is crucial for maintaining trust in public institutions.