Saturday, September 26, 2026 - Professor of Political Economy Pat Utomi has said he would withdraw his support for Peter Obi if the former Anambra State governor accepts a vice-presidential position ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general election.
Utomi, who has publicly supported Obi’s presidential
ambition, said his backing was based on the belief that Obi should contest for
the presidency rather than serve as another candidate’s running mate. In a
statement posted on X, Utomi said he considered it necessary to restate his
position as political activities and opposition consultations ahead of the 2027
election intensify.
“I have said this before, and I believe it is important to
remind Nigerians of my position as we approach 2027. Peter Obi has my support
for the presidency,” Utomi said. “But my position is clear, I am not supporting
the idea of Peter Obi becoming somebody else’s Vice President.
“The day Peter Obi
accepts a Vice Presidential position, I will walk away from his corner. I have
said this plainly, and I stand by it.” Utomi has expressed the same position
previously. In January 2026, he said during an interview on Channels Television
that he would “walk away” from Obi’s camp if the former Anambra governor became
another candidate’s running mate.
His latest comments come as Utomi is involved in
consultations with opposition presidential candidates and their parties over
efforts to produce a single opposition candidate for the 2027 election. Those
being engaged include Obi and former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar.
Utomi said his position on Obi was not based solely on
personalities but reflected his broader views about the type of leadership
Nigeria requires. He also renewed his call for a national debate over the age
of politicians seeking executive office, proposing that presidential and
governorship candidates should be no older than 70.
“The Nigerian presidency should not become a retirement home
for politicians,” he said. “I believe there should be a serious national
conversation about limiting presidential and gubernatorial candidates to those
aged 70 or below. Nigeria needs leadership that is focused on the future, not
simply another cycle of political succession. These are principles I have
stated publicly, and Nigerians should judge them for themselves.”
Utomi has previously advocated a 70-year age limit for
candidates seeking executive positions, including the presidency and
governorships.
Obi, who contested the 2023 presidential election as the
Labour Party candidate, is among the opposition figures positioning for the
2027 presidential election. Recent reports identify him as the presidential
candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, while Utomi-led consultations
have included him among several opposition candidates being engaged over a
possible single-candidate arrangement.
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