2027: If Peter Obi Becomes Someone’s Running Mate, I Will Walk Away — Pat Utomi

Renowned political economist, Professor Pat Utomi, has declared that he would withdraw his support for former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, if Obi accepts a vice-presidential slot ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Utomi made this known on Thursday during an appearance on Politics Today, a programme aired on Channels Television and monitored by PUNCH.

The economist was reacting to Obi’s recent defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). PUNCH reports that Obi, alongside other prominent political leaders from the South-East, officially joined the ADC on Wednesday as part of preparations for the 2027 polls.

Speaking during the interview, Utomi expressed confidence that Obi would contest the presidency rather than settle for a secondary role.

“I can tell you that Peter Obi will contest for the presidency come 2027. The day he becomes somebody’s running mate, I will walk away from his corner. I can tell you that for a fact,” Utomi said.

He also raised concerns about the health and fitness of recent Nigerian leaders, warning against what he described as a troubling trend.

“Something very important for this election is that the Nigerian presidency has become a retirement home where people go for the Nigerian state to pay their medical bills. This is not acceptable.

They don’t have the fitness to run the country. The last one and even the current one do not have the fitness to run the affairs of this great nation,” he added.

Utomi’s remarks have sparked renewed debate over leadership quality, fitness for office, and political alignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.