Cartoon: ‘Moonwalk, your excellencies, moonwalk’

Introduction

Nigerians woke up to a fresh political cartoon titled “Moonwalk, your excellencies, moonwalk” on December 12, 2025, published by Vanguard News. The satirical illustration quickly captured public attention for its sharp commentary on governance, accountability, and political inertia. With a title that references the iconic dance move made famous by Michael Jackson, the cartoon uses humor and metaphor to critique state-level leadership and policy reversals. This article unpacks the meaning, context, and impact of the cartoon, offering a comprehensive analysis for readers seeking to understand its relevance in Nigeria’s current political climate.

Key Points

Background

The Role of Political Cartoons in Nigeria

Political cartoons have long been a staple of Nigerian journalism. With a rich tradition dating back to colonial-era newspapers, they provide a unique blend of humor, art, and social commentary. Artists like Akin “Akinloye” Omotoso, Olusegun Adejumo, and others have used their pens to hold power to account, often at great personal risk. In a country where literacy rates vary and political rhetoric can be dense, cartoons offer a universal language that transcends education and class.

The Timing of the Cartoon

The publication of “Moonwalk, your excellencies, moonwalk” came at a critical moment in Nigeria’s political calendar. December 2025 marked the end of the first full year of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, a period defined by sweeping economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies, currency devaluation, and rising inflation. At the state level, many governors faced criticism for failing to address infrastructure decay, insecurity, and poor public services.

What Does “Moonwalk” Symbolize?

The moonwalk, popularized by Michael Jackson in the 1980s, is a dance move where the performer appears to be walking forward while actually moving backward. In the context of this cartoon, it serves as a powerful metaphor for political leaders who seem to progress in rhetoric but retreat in action—reversing promises, delaying reforms, and avoiding accountability.

Analysis

Visual Elements and Symbolism

While the original cartoon image is not available in the source text, the title suggests a scene where political figures—likely governors or federal officials—are depicted performing the moonwalk. This visual metaphor implies that despite their public declarations of progress, they are, in fact, moving backward. The use of the term “excellencies” directly addresses high-ranking officials, including state governors and federal ministers, emphasizing their collective responsibility.

Political Context: Governance Challenges in 2025

By December 2025, Nigerians were grappling with the real-world consequences of economic reforms. Fuel prices had soared after the removal of subsidies, inflation had eroded purchasing power, and the value of the naira had declined significantly. Many citizens felt that leaders at both federal and state levels were “moonwalking”—shifting blame, delaying action, and failing to deliver on campaign promises.

Public Reaction and Social Media Impact

The cartoon quickly gained traction on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Hashtags such as #MoonwalkExcellencies and #PoliticalCartoon trended as users shared the image and debated its meaning. Many praised the artist for capturing the frustration of ordinary Nigerians, while others called for more accountability from elected officials.

Comparison with Past Political Cartoons

This cartoon fits into a broader tradition of Nigerian political satire. For example, during the fuel subsidy protests of 2012, cartoons depicted then-President Goodluck Jonathan as a “fuel pump” draining the people’s resources. Similarly, during the #EndSARS protests of 2020, artists used powerful imagery to criticize police brutality and demand systemic change. The “Moonwalk” cartoon continues this legacy, using humor to highlight serious governance issues.

Practical Advice

How to Interpret Political Cartoons

Understanding political cartoons requires more than just reading the image—it demands context, critical thinking, and awareness of current events. Here are some tips:

• Identify the characters: Who is depicted? Are they recognizable public figures?
• Analyze the symbols: What objects or gestures carry deeper meaning? In this case, the moonwalk symbolizes regression.
• Consider the caption: Titles and speech bubbles often contain the cartoon’s main message.
• Check the source: Reputable outlets like Vanguard often commission experienced editorial cartoonists.

How to Use Cartoons in Education and Advocacy

Teachers, activists, and community leaders can use political cartoons to spark discussion about governance, media literacy, and civic responsibility. They are especially effective in classrooms where students can analyze the artwork, research the context, and debate the issues.

Supporting Press Freedom and Satire

Political cartoons thrive in environments where press freedom is protected. Supporting independent media outlets like Vanguard ensures that artists can continue to critique power without fear of censorship or retaliation.

FAQ

Conclusion

The cartoon “Moonwalk, your excellencies, moonwalk” is more than just a piece of satire—it is a reflection of Nigeria’s political reality in 2025. By using the metaphor of a dance move that moves backward while appearing to go forward, the artist captures the essence of public frustration with leadership. In a time of economic hardship and unmet expectations, such cartoons play a vital role in shaping public opinion and demanding accountability. As Nigeria continues to navigate complex governance challenges, the voice of political cartoonists remains an essential part of the democratic conversation.