2027: I’ll Cut Ties If Peter Obi Accepts Vice-Presidential Slot — Pat Utomi
Story: written by Myra January 2,2026
Renowned political economist, Prof. Pat Utomi, has declared that he would withdraw his support for Peter Obi if the former Labour Party presidential candidate agrees to run as a vice-presidential candidate in the 2027 general elections.
Utomi made the statement on Thursday during an appearance on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme monitored by DAILY POST, while reacting to Obi’s recent move to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Obi, alongside several prominent South-East political figures, formally defected to the ADC on Wednesday as part of early alignments ahead of the 2027 polls.
According to Utomi, Obi must aim for the top job and not settle for a secondary role. He insisted that Obi would contest the presidency in 2027 and warned that accepting a running mate position would be unacceptable to him.
“I am certain Peter Obi will run for president in 2027. The moment he agrees to be someone’s vice-presidential candidate, I will step away from him completely,” Utomi said.
He also criticised Nigeria’s political leadership culture, describing the presidency as increasingly being treated as a retirement option for individuals lacking the physical and mental fitness to govern.
Utomi argued that Nigeria needs energetic and capable leadership, stressing that the country cannot afford leaders who depend on state resources for personal healthcare while in office.
