Professor of Political Economy, Pat Utomi, has said he will withdraw his support for Peter Obi if the former Anambra State governor accepts a vice-presidential position ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general election. Utomi, who has publicly backed Obi’s presidential ambition, said his support was based on the belief that Obi should contest for the presidency rather than serve as the running mate of another presidential candidate. In a statement posted on X, Utomi said he considered it necessary to restate his position as political activities and consultations among opposition parties intensify ahead of the 2027 election. “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.” Utomi has previously expressed a similar position. In January 2026, during an interview with Channels Television, he said he would “walk away” from Obi’s camp if the former governor agreed to become another candidate’s running mate. His latest comments come amid consultations involving Utomi, opposition presidential candidates and their political parties over efforts to produce a single opposition candidate for the 2027 presidential election. The consultations have included Obi and former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, among other opposition figures. Utomi said his position on Obi was not based solely on personalities but reflected his broader views on the type of leadership he believes Nigeria needs. He also renewed his call for a national debate on the age of politicians seeking executive office, proposing that presidential and governorship candidates should be no older than 70. “The Nigerian presidency should not become a retirement home for politicians,” he said. “I believe there should be a serious national conversation about limiting presidential and gubernatorial candidates to those aged 70 or below. Nigeria needs leadership that is focused on the future, not simply another cycle of political succession. These are principles I have stated publicly, and Nigerians should judge them for themselves.” Utomi has previously advocated a 70-year age limit for candidates seeking executive positions, including the presidency and governorship. Obi, who contested the 2023 presidential election as the Labour Party candidate, is among opposition figures positioning themselves for the 2027 presidential race. Recent reports have identified him as the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, while Utomi-led consultations have continued to include him among opposition figures being engaged over a possible single-candidate arrangement.
