Professor of Political Economy and Nigeria Democratic Congress chieftain, Pat Utomi, has said he will not engage social media users whom he accused of being supporters of the All Progressives Congress paid or encouraged to attack critics of the Federal Government, describing such exchanges as an insult to his integrity.
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Utomi made the remarks on Sunday while responding to online criticism that followed his comments about the welfare and working conditions of Nigerian soldiers.
The economist said he had raised concerns about what he described as poor remuneration and difficult living conditions faced by military personnel despite the risks they take in defending the country.
According to him, the discussion compared the conditions of Nigerian soldiers with those of their counterparts in the United States and questioned what he considered the disparity between the welfare of frontline personnel and the benefits enjoyed by some political officeholders.
“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,” Utomi wrote.
He said the remarks attracted criticism from some social media users, prompting him to examine their accounts.
Utomi alleged that some of those attacking him were supporters of the ruling APC who benefited from what he described as “stomach infrastructure.”
“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,” he said.
Utomi did not provide evidence establishing that the accounts were being paid by the APC, and the allegation remains his characterisation of the users.
He nevertheless said he would not engage them in prolonged online exchanges.
“Engaging with any of them is an insult to my integrity,” he said.
His comments come as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general election, with the ruling APC and opposition parties increasingly using social media to promote their messages, defend their records and challenge their opponents.
In a separate post, Utomi accused some APC politicians of attempting to intimidate Nigerians ahead of the election.
“We have seen videos of APC politicians trying to intimidate Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general elections,” he wrote.
He urged voters not to allow fear or political pressure to discourage them from participating 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,” Utomi said.
The political economist called on eligible Nigerians to participate in the elections and remain interested in what happens to their votes.
“Come out, vote, and defend your votes,” he added.
Utomi’s intervention combines two issues he has increasingly raised in the build-up to 2027 his criticism of the Tinubu administration and what he considers the need for stronger citizen participation in the electoral process.
His latest remarks also brought the welfare of Nigerian soldiers into the political conversation, with Utomi questioning why military personnel who face security threats on behalf of the country should, in his view, receive inadequate remuneration and living conditions.
He maintained that public debate should focus on substantive issues affecting citizens and national institutions rather than online attacks against people who criticise government policies.
Utomi has also argued that opposition politics should go beyond social-media criticism and be built around public engagement, accountability and credible alternatives to the policies of the incumbent administration.
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