2027: Engaging APC data boys, insult to my integrity — Pat Utomi
Professor Pat Utomi, a prominent member of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has criticized the engagement of social media users he claims are supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and are being paid to troll dissenters. Utomi expressed that this situation reflects poorly on his integrity.
The economist’s comments follow a wave of online criticism he faced after he highlighted the inadequate living and working conditions of Nigerian soldiers, who he states are underpaid despite their significant contributions to national security.
In a post on social media platform X on Sunday, Utomi alleged that many of those who attacked him were benefiting from what he termed “stomach infrastructure.” He emphasized the disparity in compensation, noting that while soldiers risk their lives, senators are profiting from substantial government funding.
“Yesterday, we discussed the poor living and working conditions of Nigerian soldiers compared to their counterparts in the U.S., and how senators are enriching themselves with billions of naira while our soldiers remain underpaid,” Utomi stated in his post.
In reviewing the profiles of his critics, he claimed to have discovered that many were affiliated with the APC. “It became evident that they were APC data boys targeting anyone who dared to speak up,” he said.
Utomi expressed his decision to refrain from engaging with these accounts, labeling such interactions as an “insult to my integrity.”
In a separate statement, he accused APC politicians of attempting to intimidate citizens in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections. He called on Nigerians to remain undeterred by these tactics and to continue their participation in the electoral process.
“We have seen videos of APC politicians trying to intimidate Nigerians ahead of the elections,” he remarked.
Utomi urged citizens to unite against these efforts of intimidation and to recognize the power they hold when standing together. “Do not allow them to instill fear in you,” he implored.
He also emphasized the importance of voter participation and the protection of electoral integrity. “Come out, vote, and defend your votes,” he concluded.
