In a bold declaration that could reshape political alignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, renowned political economist Professor Pat Utomi has stated he will completely withdraw his support for Peter Obi if the former Anambra State governor agrees to be any politician's vice-presidential candidate.
Utomi's Ultimatum on Obi's Presidential Ambition
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television on the night of Thursday, December 1, Utomi left no room for ambiguity regarding his stance. He confirmed that Peter Obi intends to run for the presidency in the forthcoming election. However, he issued a stark warning, stating his support is conditional on Obi leading the ticket.
"Peter Obi will contest for the presidency. The day he becomes somebody’s vice president, I will walk away from his corner. I can tell you that for a fact," Utomi asserted emphatically.
This statement directly addresses swirling speculations in political circles. There have been rumours that Obi's recent move to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) party is a strategic step to eventually pair with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as his running mate in 2027. Utomi's comments appear designed to quash such narratives and anchor Obi's position firmly as a presidential contender.
Critique of Elderly Politicians in Executive Roles
Beyond the specific warning to Obi, Professor Utomi used the platform to launch a broader critique against a trend he finds deeply troubling in Nigerian politics. He described the nation's presidency as increasingly becoming a refuge for elderly politicians, a development he deems unacceptable.
"Something very important for this election to bear in mind, the Nigerian presidency has become a retirement home, where people go for the Nigerian State to pay their medical bills. It is not acceptable," he stated bluntly.
To provide a clear solution, Utomi proposed an age limit for those seeking executive offices like governor or president. "Nobody over the age of 70 years should run for an executive position whether it be governor or president," he recommended. He clarified that this restriction should not bar older citizens from public service entirely, suggesting they could still offer valuable contributions in other capacities, such as within the legislature.
"Yes, people can stay in the legislature till their 75, possibly even close to 80, but the Nigerian people must not continue to tolerate presidency being where we keep people who need medical attention," he added, reinforcing his argument that the demanding nature of executive leadership requires younger, more energetic individuals.
Implications for the 2027 Political Landscape
Utomi's public ultimatum carries significant weight, given his status as a respected intellectual and former presidential candidate himself. His declaration draws a clear line in the sand for Peter Obi's political strategy and potentially influences the calculations of other parties and candidates.
By framing his stance around the principles of energetic leadership and rejecting the notion of the presidency as a ceremonial retirement post, Utomi is tapping into a growing public sentiment, particularly among the youth. His comments challenge the established order and set the stage for a discourse on generational change as the 2027 elections draw nearer.
The coming months will reveal whether Peter Obi's actions align with the path his supporter has so forcefully prescribed, or if political pragmatism will lead to a different alliance, one that could cost him the backing of influential figures like Professor Pat Utomi.
