The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has slammed Prof. Pat Utomi for likening Nigeria’s democratic experience to fascist conditions in Adolf Hitler’s Nazi Germany.

APC, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Felix Morka, described the approximation as reckless, irresponsible, and insensitive, and beneath a man of Utomi’s standing.

APC stated that the announcement of a “shadow government” by Utomi is a categorical demonstration of impunity of opposition actors and the high tolerance of dissent by the Tinubu administration.

APC noted that it is mind-boggling how Utomi and his fellow opposition figures, who boast of superior knowledge of solutions to Nigeria’s complex problems and challenges, have been unable to sensibly and competently manage the internal affairs of their parties but continue to spew vile accusations against the APC without any shame.

It insist that the wave of defections into the APC, while indicative of the rudderless leadership of opposition parties, is a clear endorsement of the visionary and inclusive leadership of President Bola Tinubu, and the massive transformation that is now underway in our country.

“These defectors are citizens who have decided to be direct participants in the unfolding historic repositioning of our nation, who have elevated patriotism over partisanship and ready to place their hand on deck with this bold President of progress to steer the ship of the Nigerian state away from the brink to stable safer and prosperous grounds,” APC noted.

The party claimed that Utomi’s failed bid for the Delta State APC gubernatorial ticket in 2019, an unfulfilled stalwart of Labour Party (LP) in Peter Obi’s 2023 presidential campaign, and his “several dead on arrival third force mega opposition gamble” have clearly taken a huge toll on his political judgment. (The Guardian)