Pat Utomi Rejects Engagement With APC ‘Data Boys’, Says It Undermines His Integrity

Professor Pat Utomi, a leading figure in the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has said responding to social media accounts he alleged were operated by APC supporters paid to attack critics would compromise his integrity.

The economist made the statement after accusing some social media users of targeting him for speaking about the welfare of Nigerian soldiers, whom he said endure poor living and working conditions despite risking their lives in the country’s service.

In a post on X on Sunday, Utomi alleged that some of his critics were beneficiaries of what he described as “stomach infrastructure” and were using social media to attack those who challenged the authorities.

“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 stated.

He said the backlash prompted him to review the profiles of the people attacking him, adding that he believed 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 wrote.

He subsequently ruled out responding to the accounts, saying, “Engaging with any of them is an insult to my integrity.”

Beyond the online exchanges, Utomi raised concerns about the political atmosphere ahead of the 2027 general election, alleging that some APC politicians were seeking to intimidate Nigerians.

“We have seen videos of APC politicians trying to intimidate Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general elections,” he said in another post.

The NDC chieftain appealed to Nigerians to remain united and resist what he described as attempts to frighten voters or discourage participation in the election.

“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 added.

Utomi concluded by urging Nigerians to exercise their voting rights and ensure their ballots were protected.

“Come out, vote, and defend your votes,” he said.

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