Nigerian social commentator SlimJoe has criticised members of the Ratel movement associated with activist VeryDarkMan, urging them to focus on personal development and Nigeria’s political future rather than spending their time engaging in online disputes.
In a statement circulating on social media on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, SlimJoe questioned why some Igbo youths identify with the movement, arguing that their time and energy could be directed towards building businesses, improving their financial circumstances and participating in political discussions ahead of the 2027 general election.
“The most stupid thing an Igbo man can be in 2026 is a Ratel member. Go and ask your fathers and grandparents. We Igbos are focused on building our lives and making money,” he said.
He also criticised the clothing and accessories associated with VeryDarkMan’s public image, including cowries worn around the neck and singlets. SlimJoe further accused some supporters of spending excessive time online insulting and threatening others.
“You Ratels should go and get a life! There are better things you should focus on, like the next election,” he added.
The commentator subsequently linked his criticism to the economic challenges facing Nigerians, warning that another electoral victory for President Bola Tinubu could result in additional taxes and make living conditions more difficult.
“If Tinubu wins the next election, more taxes will be imposed on us, and life in Nigeria will become even harder,” SlimJoe said.
His remarks come as political conversations intensify ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general election. The Independent National Electoral Commission has published an election timetable, with its current calendar listing January 16, 2027, for the presidential and National Assembly elections. Voters are expected to assess the records, policies and promises of political parties and candidates as the election approaches.
Taxation has also remained a major subject of public debate following the introduction of Nigeria’s new tax framework, which took effect on January 1, 2026. The Federal Government has described the reforms as an effort to improve tax administration, broaden compliance and strengthen revenue generation. However, the government has also rejected reports that it was introducing new telecommunications and fuel taxes, saying in June that those claims misrepresented its policy position.
SlimJoe’s prediction that a Tinubu victory would automatically lead to additional taxes remains his personal assessment and should not be treated as an established government policy. Any future tax measures would depend on the applicable laws and official decisions.
The comments have also placed the Ratel movement at the centre of another online debate about political activism, loyalty to public figures and the role of social media in public life. Supporters of VeryDarkMan may view their involvement as a way of backing an activist whose activities they support, while critics may question the confrontational nature of some online exchanges.
Beyond the disagreement over the movement, SlimJoe’s message raises broader questions about how young Nigerians can balance online activism, personal advancement and participation in democratic processes.
As the 2027 election approaches, discussions about taxes, economic hardship and political accountability are likely to remain prominent. Whether SlimJoe’s criticism changes how Ratel members engage online remains unclear, but his statement has added another voice to the debate over activism and the country’s political direction.
