APC Demands Apology from VeryDarkMan Over Comments on Akpabio’s Vatican Trip

According to PUNCH, the South-South Zonal chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has given popular social media influencer Martins Vincent Otse, better known as VeryDarkMan, a one-week ultimatum to apologize for his critical remarks against Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The demand comes after Otse’s viral video in which he slammed Akpabio’s attendance at the funeral of Pope Francis at the Vatican.

In the three-minute video, Otse described Akpabio’s trip as “shameful,” arguing that the Senate President should have prioritized visiting Nigerian states like Benue, Plateau, Kwara, Ogun, and Enugu, which have been facing violent crises, instead of attending the Pope’s funeral. Otse further claimed that Akpabio, a former Akwa Ibom State governor, lacked the moral standing to represent Nigeria at such a significant global event.

Responding swiftly, Blessing Agbomhere, the APC South-South Zonal Organizing Secretary, criticized Otse, accusing him of hiding under the guise of activism to carry out “character assassination.” Agbomhere clarified that Akpabio’s trip to Rome was on the orders of President Bola Tinubu, who appointed him to head Nigeria’s federal delegation. He also defended Akpabio’s strong Catholic faith and commendable public record, insisting these attributes made him a suitable choice for the assignment.

Agbomhere demanded a public apology from Otse, warning him to refrain from “damaging the integrity of the administration with baseless attacks.” He urged Nigerians to dismiss what he termed Otse’s “uninformed rants,” stressing that the Tinubu-led government is committed to addressing the inherited security challenges facing the nation.

“We cannot wish away the complex security issues facing our country with a wave of the hand. The administration is fully committed to ensuring the safety of all Nigerians, and it takes time to resolve these deep-rooted challenges,” Agbomhere stated.

This latest controversy highlights growing concerns over the influence of social media personalities on public opinion. The APC, through its statement, called on influencers like Otse to act more responsibly and avoid fueling unnecessary divisions.