Utomi: I’ll Withdraw Support if Peter Obi Accepts Vice-Presidential Role in 2027
By Erewunmi Peace
Professor of Political Economy Pat Utomi has announced that he will withdraw his support for Peter Obi if the former Labour Party presidential candidate accepts a vice-presidential candidacy in the 2027 general elections.
Utomi made the comments on Thursday during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme, stressing that he believes Obi should pursue the presidency, not a deputy role.
“If Peter Obi accepts to be someone’s vice-president, I will walk away from his corner,” Utomi said, emphasizing his conviction that Obi should remain a presidential candidate in 2027.
His statement comes a day after Obi officially defected from the Labour Party (LP) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Enugu, sparking speculation about his political trajectory ahead of the 2027 elections.
Political analysts note that Obi’s move to the ADC positions him for flexibility in choosing alliances, but Utomi’s declaration signals that some of his former supporters may reconsider their backing if he does not pursue the top job.
Bottom Line: While Utomi’s comments are a personal stance, they reflect ongoing debates about Peter Obi’s role in Nigeria’s 2027 elections and the loyalty of his political supporters.
