Pat Utomi has reaffirmed his support for Peter Obi’s presidential ambition but warned that he would withdraw from Obi’s camp if he accepts a vice-presidential position ahead of the 2027 election.
Utomi said his position was based on the kind of leadership he believes Nigeria needs and the direction the country should take. “Peter Obi has my support for the presidency. But my position is clear, I am not supporting the idea of Peter Obi becoming somebody else’s Vice President.”
He said he had made his position clear before and would maintain it as political discussions ahead of 2027 continue. “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 said his position was not based on personalities but on questions about Nigeria’s leadership and political direction. “My concern is not about personalities. It is about the kind of leadership Nigeria needs and the direction in which we want our country to go.”
The economist also renewed his call for a rethink of the age of people seeking executive office in Nigeria.
He argued that the presidency should not become a retirement destination for politicians and called for a national discussion on age limits for presidential and gubernatorial candidates. “I have also argued that we should begin to rethink the age of those seeking executive office. The Nigerian presidency should not become a retirement home for politicians.”
Utomi said presidential and gubernatorial candidates should be 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 Nigeria needed leaders focused on the country’s future rather than another cycle of political succession. “Nigeria needs leadership that is focused on the future, not simply another cycle of political succession.”
Utomi said these were principles he had stated publicly and urged Nigerians to make their own judgments about them. “These are principles I have stated publicly, and Nigerians should judge them for themselves.”
Erizia Rubyjeana
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