Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
ABUJA, NIGERIA — Renowned political economist and social commentator Prof. Pat Utomi has stirred debate within opposition circles by warning that he will withdraw his support for former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi if the latter accepts a vice‑presidential (VP) nomination in next year’s general election.
Utomi made the declaration during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on Thursday, as political realignments continue to gain momentum ahead of the 2027 general election. His remarks came in the wake of Obi’s formal defection from the Labour Party (LP) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) late last year — a move that has generated speculation about coalition arrangements and power‑sharing deals within opposition camps.
Speaking on national television, Utomi reaffirmed his view that Peter Obi should be contesting for the presidency in 2027, and he cautioned against any notion that the former Anambra State governor might accept a subordinate role on another candidate’s ticket. “I can tell you that Peter Obi will contest for the presidency,” Utomi said emphatically, adding: “The day he becomes somebody’s vice president, I walk away from his corner.”
The warning reflects Utomi’s longstanding belief that Obi embodies a distinctive reformist vision and that any alignment that places him in a vice‑presidential position could undermine the expectations of Nigerians who see him as a credible alternative to the country’s political establishment. Analysts view the statement as part of broader tension within opposition politics over the best strategy to challenge the ruling party and assemble a compelling coalition.
Speculation over a possible VP offer intensified after comments by government figures and insiders hinted at alliance talks involving prominent politicians such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who is also a leading contender for the presidency within the ADC framework. While some commentators have framed such scenarios as pragmatic coalition building, Utomi’s stance signals resistance to what he described as compromising Obi’s political identity and core support base.
In the same television appearance, Utomi broadened his critique to include structural reforms, notably advocating for age limits for presidential and gubernatorial candidates. He argued that the Nigerian presidency has become a “retirement home” for elderly politicians, citing recent administrations as examples of leadership that lacked the physical energy and sustained engagement he believes the office demands. “They don’t have the fitness to run the country,” he said, insisting that no one over the age of 70 should be permitted to contest executive positions.
Utomi’s comments have already sparked reactions among political observers, supporters of Obi, and opposition strategists. Some welcome his insistence that Obi pursue the presidency outright, citing the former governor’s strong grassroots support and national appeal following the 2023 election. Others caution that rigid positioning on the VP question could limit strategic flexibility and complicate efforts to build broader alliances capable of unseating the incumbent party.
For his part, Peter Obi has not publicly committed to any specific electoral role beyond outlining a commitment to national reform and engagement. While his defection to the ADC has been interpreted by some as a signal of intent to lead a presidential bid, the wider context of opposition negotiations remains fluid, with stakeholders across parties and regions weighing different configurations for the 2027 contest.
As the 2027 elections approach, Utomi’s warning adds another layer of complexity to Nigeria’s evolving political landscape, highlighting the balancing act between maintaining ideological purity and navigating the practical realities of coalition politics in a highly competitive environment.
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