Professor of Political Economy Pat Utomi has said he would 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 supported Obi’s presidential ambition, said his backing was based on the belief that Obi should contest for the presidency rather than serve as another candidate’s running mate. In a statement posted on X, Utomi said he considered it necessary to restate his position as political activities and opposition consultations ahead of the 2027 election intensify.
“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 expressed the same position previously. In January 2026, he said during an interview on Channels Television that he would “walk away” from Obi’s camp if the former Anambra governor became another candidate’s running mate.
His latest comments come as Utomi is involved in consultations with opposition presidential candidates and their parties over efforts to produce a single opposition candidate for the 2027 election. Those being engaged include Obi and former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar.
Utomi said his position on Obi was not based solely on personalities but reflected his broader views about the type of leadership Nigeria requires. He also renewed his call for a national debate over 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 governorships.
Obi, who contested the 2023 presidential election as the Labour Party candidate, is among the opposition figures positioning for the 2027 presidential election. Recent reports identify him as the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, while Utomi-led consultations have included him among several opposition candidates being engaged over a possible single-candidate arrangement.
