Political economist and former presidential candidate, Professor Pat Utomi, has warned that he will withdraw his support for Peter Obi under specific political circumstances ahead of 2027.
Utomi said he would no longer back the former Anambra State governor if Obi accepts a vice-presidential ticket in the next general election.
Utomi Issues Strong Warning on Obi’s Ambition
The economist made the remarks on Thursday during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme.
“Peter Obi will contest for the presidency. The day he becomes somebody’s vice president, I will walk away from his corner. I can tell you that for a fact,” Utomi said.
Presidency Should Not Be a Retirement Home
Utomi also criticised what he described as a growing trend of elderly politicians dominating Nigeria’s highest executive office.
“Something very important for this election to bear in mind, the Nigerian presidency has become a retirement home, where people go for the Nigerian State to pay their medical bills. It is not acceptable,” he said.
Call for Age Limit in Executive Offices
The political economist argued that executive leadership requires physical energy and sharp mental capacity.
“Nobody over the age of 70 years should run for an executive position whether it be governor or president,” Utomi stated.
Older Politicians Can Serve Elsewhere
Utomi clarified that his comments were not meant to sideline older politicians completely from public service.
“Yes, people can stay in the legislature till their 75, possibly even close to 80, but the Nigerian people must not continue to tolerate presidency being where we keep people who need medical attention,” he added.
Utomi’s remarks come as political alliances continue to shift ahead of the 2027 elections, following Obi’s recent move to the coalition-backed African Democratic Congress.