KEY POINTS

• The APC’s South-South chapter demands a public apology from influencer VeryDarkMan within seven days for criticizing Akpabio’s Vatican trip during a national security crisis.

• Critics argue Akpabio’s absence highlights misplaced priorities, while the APC insists the trip was a legitimate diplomatic duty ordered by President Tinubu.

• The clash underscores tensions between Nigeria’s political elite and social media activists amid rising violence, with over 1,200 killed in 2025 alone.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, demanding a public apology for his criticism of Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s recent diplomatic trip to the Vatican.

According to SaharaReporters, Akpabio led a Nigerian delegation to attend the funeral of Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21, 2025, at age 88.

In a viral video, VeryDarkMan condemned Akpabio’s absence from Nigeria amid escalating insecurity, arguing that the Senate President should instead be visiting violence-stricken states like Benue, Plateau, Kwara, Ogun, and Enugu. “How can our leaders prioritize foreign trips over addressing the bloodshed at home? Families are grieving, yet Akpabio is in Rome,” the influencer stated. His remarks sparked a fiery response from the APC’s South-South zonal chapter, which accused him of “blackmail and character assassination.”

The APC’s statement, signed by Zonal Organizing Secretary Blessing Agbomhere, defended Akpabio’s trip as a presidential directive. “The Senate President was nominated by President Bola Tinubu to represent Nigeria at a global event. Attending the Pope’s funeral does not negate his commitment to national security,” Agbomhere asserted. The party also highlighted Tinubu’s recent meeting with security chiefs to address rampant kidnappings, banditry, and communal clashes.

Political tensions rise 

The APC’s demand has intensified debates over freedom of expression and the role of influencers in holding leaders accountable. VeryDarkMan, known for his outspoken critiques of government policies, has amassed over 2 million followers across platforms by addressing issues like corruption and insecurity. Analysts suggest the ultimatum reflects growing unease within the APC about public dissent. “This is a dangerous precedent. Silencing critics undermines democracy,” said political analyst Adeola Fashina.

Meanwhile, the Vatican trip delegation included prominent figures like Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu and Archbishop Matthew Kukah. President Tinubu, in a tribute, praised Pope Francis as “a humble servant of God and advocate for the poor,” while critics argue the delegation’s cost—estimated at ₦280 million—could have been redirected to bolster security efforts.

Security experts report that over 1,200 Nigerians have died in violent attacks since January 2025, with Benue and Plateau states accounting for 40% of casualties. Victims’ groups have echoed VeryDarkMan’s sentiments. “Our leaders are disconnected. We need action, not symbolic gestures,” said Grace Okoro, a spokesperson for displaced families in Enugu.