SlimJoe Criticises Ratel Members, Warns of Hardship if Tinubu Wins in 2027
A social media user identified as SlimJoe has sparked reactions online after criticising members of the Ratel movement associated with social media activist VeryDarkMan, describing their involvement as a misplaced priority while urging Nigerians to focus on personal development, financial growth and the 2027 presidential election.
In a statement circulating online, SlimJoe said, “The most stupid thing an Igbo man can be in 2026 is a Ratel member,” arguing that Igbos should concentrate on building their lives and making money rather than spending time on the internet defending or engaging in confrontations on behalf of VeryDarkMan.
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He also took issue with the way some Ratel members reportedly express their support for the activist, referencing cowries worn around the neck, singlets and online activities involving insults and threats against other people.
According to SlimJoe, members of the movement should redirect their attention towards issues that could affect their future, particularly Nigeria’s political direction ahead of the 2027 general election.
He further warned that a victory for President Bola Tinubu in the next election could lead to additional taxes and worsen the economic difficulties facing Nigerians.
“If Tinubu wins the next election, more taxes will be imposed on us, and life in Nigeria will become even harder,” he said.
Nigerians React to SlimJoe’s Statement
The comments have generated mixed reactions among Nigerians on social media, with some accusing SlimJoe of introducing tribal sentiments into the discussion, while others argued that people have different opinions about VeryDarkMan and his supporters.
Reacting to the statement, an X user, @edoboy_000, accused SlimJoe of playing the tribal card, writing: “Pulling the tribal card? As una no fit touch am.”
Similarly, @danochaoflmo called for an end to what the user described as the use of tribal identity to influence public opinion.
“This thing of always bring tribe to manipulate and gaslight the mind of people need to stop,” the user wrote.
Meanwhile, @Henrytrader001 expressed concern about the possibility of Tinubu winning the 2027 presidential election, writing: “If Tinubu mistakenly enter 2027 Omo we are finished trust me.”
Another user, @jennymiles082, questioned SlimJoe’s criticism of VeryDarkMan and the Ratel movement, arguing that his reference to the activist suggested familiarity with his activities.
The user also accused SlimJoe of being more concerned with criticising the activist than addressing the country’s challenges, writing: “The person who put ur country’s affair on his head to ensure life becomes bearable is ur enemy right?”
However, not everyone shared the same position on the movement.
@OG_Bamidele said people had different perspectives on VeryDarkMan and his supporters, explaining that the user knew someone who idolised the activist but personally believed that some of the issues he involved himself in were unnecessary.
Another commenter, @chi_emma5921, criticised the repeated invocation of Igbo identity in online controversies involving public figures and questioned why individuals continued to use the ethnic group to attract attention.
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“The Most Stup!d 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. You Shouldn’t Be Wearing Cowries Around Your Neck Like VeryDarkMan, Wearing Singlets, And Spending Every Day On The Internet Insulting And Threatening People. You Ratels Should Go And Get a Life! There Are Better Things You Should Focus On, Like The Next Election. If Tinubu Wins The Next Election, More Taxes Will Be Imposed On Us, And Life In Nigeria Will Become Even Harder.” ~ SlimJoe
— Somto Okonkwo (@General_Somto) October 21, 2026
