Political economist and public intellectual, Professor Pat Utomi, has said he would withdraw his support from former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi if Obi ever agrees to run as a vice presidential candidate in the 2027 general elections.
Utomi made the statement on Thursday during an interview on Politics Today, a current affairs programme aired on Channels Television, where he spoke on recent political realignments ahead of the next election cycle.
His remarks come amid growing debate over Obi’s political future following his defection to the African Democratic Congress, ADC, alongside other prominent leaders from the South East.
Strong Warning on Obi’s Political Choices
According to Utomi, Obi’s political relevance and credibility rest on his willingness to contest Nigeria’s highest office rather than accept a subordinate role on a presidential ticket.
“I can tell you that Peter Obi will contest for the presidency come the 2027 general elections,” Utomi said during the interview. “The day he becomes somebody’s running mate, I will walk away from his corner. I can tell you that for a fact.”
Utomi’s comment was one of the most direct public warnings yet from a long-time ally of Obi, and it reflects broader concerns among sections of Obi’s support base who believe his political appeal is tied to his presidential ambition.
Obi’s Move to the ADC
Peter Obi, who emerged as the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, officially defected to the African Democratic Congress on Wednesday, alongside other notable South East political figures.
According to reports, the move is part of ongoing efforts to reposition ahead of the 2027 general elections, as opposition politicians explore new alliances and platforms capable of challenging the dominance of the major parties.
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While Obi has not publicly declared his intentions for 2027, his defection has reignited speculation about whether he plans another presidential run or could align as a running mate in a broader coalition.
Utomi’s remarks appear aimed at shaping that conversation early.
Criticism of Nigeria’s Leadership Culture
Beyond Obi’s personal political decisions, Utomi used the interview to criticise what he described as a deeper structural problem in Nigeria’s leadership culture.
According to him, the presidency has increasingly become a refuge for aging politicians who are no longer physically or mentally prepared for the demands of office.
“Something very important for this election to bear in mind is that the Nigerian presidency has become a retirement home where people go for the Nigerian state to pay their medical bills,” Utomi said.
“This is not acceptable. They don’t have the fitness to run the country.”
He extended the criticism to recent administrations, arguing that Nigeria’s governance challenges are compounded when leaders lack the physical stamina required to manage the country’s complex problems.
Utomi’s intervention comes at a time when political alignments are still fluid and informal discussions about coalitions are intensifying. With more than two years to the 2027 elections, influential voices are already seeking to define red lines and expectations.
Political analysts say Utomi’s stance highlights a broader anxiety within reform-minded circles that Obi could be pressured into a compromise arrangement that dilutes the political movement built around his 2023 candidacy.
An Abuja-based political analyst, who spoke to this publication, said the warning reflects fears of voter disillusionment.
“Many of Obi’s supporters see his appeal as symbolic of a break from old political bargains,” the analyst said. “If he accepts a vice presidential slot, it could be interpreted as surrendering that narrative.”
Obi’s Support Base and Expectations
Obi’s 2023 campaign attracted significant youth support and urban voters who rallied around messages of fiscal discipline, governance reform, and accountability. That movement, often referred to as the ‘Obidient’ movement, remains politically active and vocal.
Utomi’s comments suggest that key figures associated with that movement expect Obi to remain consistent in his pursuit of the presidency.
According to political observers, accepting a running mate position could risk fragmenting that support, especially among younger voters who view such arrangements as traditional political compromises.
Implications for 2027 Alignments
The debate also raises questions about how opposition alliances will be structured ahead of 2027. While coalition politics may be necessary to challenge incumbent power structures, Utomi’s position underscores the tension between pragmatism and principle.
Some strategists argue that a vice presidential slot could still offer strategic value, while others insist that stepping back would weaken Obi’s negotiating power and long-term political relevance.
For now, Obi has remained publicly silent on the matter.
What to Watch Next
Attention is expected to shift to how the ADC positions itself in the coming months and whether Obi clarifies his ambitions. Observers will also be watching how other opposition figures respond to Utomi’s remarks, especially those advocating for a broad coalition.
As political calculations intensify, Utomi’s warning adds pressure on Obi to clearly define his path ahead of 2027.
Professor Pat Utomi’s statement marks a significant moment in Nigeria’s evolving political conversation ahead of the 2027 elections. By drawing a firm line against any vice presidential bid by Peter Obi, he has articulated a sentiment shared by many reform-oriented supporters.
Whether Obi heeds that message or pursues a different strategy will likely shape opposition politics in the years ahead.
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