Professor Pat Utomi, a chieftain of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has described engaging social media users he accused of being paid All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters as an insult to his integrity.
Utomi said the alleged online attacks began after he criticised the living and working conditions of Nigerian soldiers, whom he claimed were poorly paid despite risking their lives to protect the country.
In a post on X on Sunday, the economist accused some social media users of benefiting from what he described as “stomach infrastructure” while attacking critics of the Federal Government.
“Yesterday, we talked about the poor living and working conditions of Nigerian soldiers compared to their counterparts in the US, and how senators are fattening their pockets with billions of naira while the soldiers who risk their lives every day to protect us are underpaid heavily,” he wrote.
He said he examined the profiles of some users who attacked him following his comments and concluded that they were APC supporters engaged in online trolling.
“Then, some fellows benefiting from stomach infrastructure began to bash us. I took a quick look at their profiles, and it became obvious to me that they were APC data boys trolling anyone who dared to speak up,” Utomi said.
He added that he would not engage with the accounts, declaring, “Engaging with any of them is an insult to my integrity.”
In a separate post, the NDC chieftain accused APC politicians of attempting to intimidate Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Utomi urged citizens not to be discouraged by what he described as efforts to instil fear ahead of the polls, insisting that Nigerians could resist such actions through unity and active participation in the electoral process.
“Nigerians need to understand that these fellows are powerless when we stand united. Do not allow them to sow seeds of fear in you,” he said.
He also called on voters to turn out for the elections and protect their votes.
“Come out, vote, and defend your votes,” Utomi added.