By Chibuike Nwabuko
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – Political economist, Prof. Pat Utomi, has reiterated that his support for former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, in the 2027 presidential election is conditional on Obi contesting for the presidency and not accepting a vice-presidential ticket.
Utomi stated this in a post on his X handle on Friday, stressing that he would withdraw his support for Obi if the former presidential candidate agreed to become somebody else’s running mate.
“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.
“But my position is clear, I am not supporting the idea of Peter Obi becoming somebody else’s Vice President. 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 professor of political economy said his position was not based on personalities but on what he described as the kind of leadership and direction Nigeria needs.
Precise Post recalls that Utomi’s latest remarks come amid ongoing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections and discussions among opposition figures over possible alliances and presidential arrangements.
Recent reports have also linked Utomi to consultations aimed at facilitating a single opposition presidential candidate for the election.
He also called for a national conversation on the age of candidates seeking executive office, arguing that the presidency should not become a “retirement home” for politicians.
According to him, presidential and governorship candidates should be limited to Nigerians aged 70 or below.
“I believe there should be a serious national conversation about limiting presidential and gubernatorial candidates to those aged 70 or below,” he said.
Utomi maintained that Nigeria needed leadership focused on the future rather than another cycle of political succession.
“Nigeria needs leadership that is focused on the future, not simply another cycle of political succession,” he added.
He urged Nigerians to assess the principles he had publicly stated ahead of the 2027 election.
“These are principles I have stated publicly, and Nigerians should judge them for themselves,” Utomi said.
