Political economist Pat Utomi has said he will withdraw his support for former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, if he chooses to run as a vice-presidential candidate in the 2027 general election.
Utomi made the statement during an interview on Channels Television on Thursday, insisting that Obi must contest for the presidency rather than settle for a subordinate role. “I can tell you that Peter Obi will contest for the presidency. The day he becomes somebody’s vice president, I walk away from his corner. I can tell you that for a fact,” Utomi said.
Utomi also argued that Nigeria’s presidency should not serve as a retirement option for ageing politicians, stating, “Nobody above the age of 70 should contest for executive positions, whether as a governor or president.” His remarks come a day after Obi joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition.
As a member of the coalition, Obi is expected to contest the party’s presidential primaries alongside former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Rivers State governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, who have both declared interest in the ADC ticket.