Pat Utomi, professor of political economy, has said he will withdraw his support for Peter Obi if the former Anambra State governor accepts a vice-presidential position ahead of the 2027 general election.
Gatekeepers News reports that Utomi, who has backed Obi’s presidential ambition, restated his position in a post on X on Friday, saying his support is specifically for Obi’s bid to become president.
“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. (TheCable)
He said he did not support the possibility of Obi serving as another presidential candidate’s running mate.
“But my position is clear, I am not supporting the idea of Peter Obi becoming somebody else’s Vice President,” he said.
Utomi added: “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.”
The political economist said his position was based on his view of the type of leadership he believes Nigeria needs rather than personal considerations.
He also called for a national discussion on the age of politicians seeking executive positions, proposing that presidential and governorship candidates should not be older than 70.
“The Nigerian presidency should not become a retirement home for politicians,” Utomi said.
“I believe there should be a serious national conversation about limiting presidential and gubernatorial candidates to those aged 70 or below,” he added.
Utomi said Nigeria needed leadership focused on the future rather than another cycle of political succession.
“These are principles I have stated publicly, and Nigerians should judge them for themselves,” he said.
Obi, who contested the 2023 presidential election on the Labour Party platform, is now the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 election.
The issue comes amid renewed discussion about possible opposition alliances ahead of the 2027 election. Obi recently said no formal vice-presidential offer had been made to him in relation to an alliance with Atiku Abubakar, adding that any potential agreement would involve the political parties rather than only individual candidates.
