Political economist, Prof. Pat Utomi, has restated his support for Peter Obi’s presidential ambition ahead of the 2027 elections.
Utomi, however, said he would withdraw that support if Obi accepts a vice-presidential position. He made the position clear while discussing his expectations for Nigeria’s political leadership.
According to Utomi, his position is based on the kind of leadership he believes Nigeria needs. He said the issue goes beyond individual politicians or personal relationships.
Utomi’s comments come amid political realignments and discussions over possible arrangements ahead of the 2027 elections. Obi’s political future has remained a major subject of discussion since his movement into the African Democratic Congress.
Related discussions have also focused on the wider opposition landscape. Peter Obi has previously called for issue-based political campaigns.
Utomi Sets Condition for Continued Support
Utomi said Peter Obi has his support for the presidency. He stressed, however, that his position would change if Obi accepts a vice-presidential ticket.
“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.”
He added that accepting such a position would lead him to withdraw his support. “The day Peter Obi accepts a Vice Presidential position, I will walk away from his corner,” he said.
The position reflects Utomi’s stated preference for Obi to pursue the presidency. Similar comments by Utomi were reported in January 2026 during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today.
Obi’s political plans have continued to generate discussion among supporters, political parties and other stakeholders. Recent political developments have also seen discussions around opposition alliances ahead of 2027.
‘My Concern Is Not About Personalities’
Utomi said his position was not motivated by personal considerations. He said his focus was on the direction Nigeria should take.
“My concern is not about personalities,” he said. “It is about the kind of leadership Nigeria needs and the direction in which we want our country to go.”
He argued that Nigeria needs leadership focused on the country’s future. He said political decisions should therefore be considered against broader questions about governance and national development.
Utomi has previously expressed strong views about the direction of Nigeria’s political system. He has also spoken about the need for political participation beyond social media.
The 2027 political conversation has also involved several opposition figures. Atiku Abubakar has previously made commitments connected to the next presidential election.
Utomi Proposes 70-Year Age Limit
Beyond the issue of Obi’s political position, Utomi also called for a change in the age requirements for executive office.
He proposed that presidential and governorship candidates should be aged 70 or below. According to him, Nigeria should begin a serious conversation about introducing such a limit.
“I have also argued that we should begin to rethink the age of those seeking executive office,” Utomi said.
He argued that the presidency should not become a retirement destination for politicians. He said the country needs leaders whose focus is firmly placed on the future.
“I believe there should be a serious national conversation about limiting presidential and gubernatorial candidates to those aged 70 or below,” he added.
Utomi has made similar comments previously. In a January 2026 interview, he advocated a 70-year limit for people seeking executive positions.
His proposal would affect both presidential and governorship contests. It would therefore represent a broader electoral reform issue rather than a position concerning Obi alone.
Utomi Says Nigeria Needs Future-Focused Leadership
Utomi also linked his age-limit proposal to the kind of leadership he wants to see in Nigeria.
He said the country needs leaders who are focused on future development. He contrasted that with what he described as another cycle of political succession.
According to him, Nigerians should have a broader conversation about the age of people seeking executive office. He said the issue should be considered as part of discussions about Nigeria’s political future.
“These are principles I have stated publicly, and Nigerians should judge them for themselves,” Utomi said.
The age of political office holders has remained part of wider debates about governance in Nigeria. Recent discussions about electoral reform have also examined how political institutions can strengthen democratic participation.
Obi’s Political Future Remains Under Discussion
Obi’s political future has attracted attention as political parties position themselves ahead of the 2027 elections.
The former Anambra State governor contested the 2023 presidential election under the Labour Party. He has since become involved in discussions around a broader opposition political arrangement.
Questions surrounding possible alliances have also generated competing claims from political figures. Some politicians have publicly discussed possible presidential and vice-presidential combinations.
However, claims about possible tickets do not by themselves establish an agreed ticket. Any final arrangement would depend on the relevant political processes and decisions by the parties involved.
The political landscape in Enugu has also seen growing activity ahead of the 2027 elections.
Other political actors have also begun positioning themselves for the next election cycle. Peter Obi’s supporters have previously been involved in grassroots political mobilisation.
Calls for Issue-Based Politics
Utomi’s comments come as several political figures continue to call for greater focus on policy and governance.
The debate around the 2027 election has included issues such as economic development, security, infrastructure and institutional reform. Political actors have also continued to discuss the role of opposition parties and possible alliances.
Meanwhile, other politicians have publicly stated their positions on the 2027 contest. Some political figures have already begun making public campaign-related commitments.
The increasing political activity has also placed greater attention on the media’s role. Journalists and citizens are expected to assess political claims based on evidence and distinguish confirmed developments from speculation.
Utomi Maintains His Position
For Utomi, the issue remains straightforward. He said he supports Obi’s presidential ambition but would not support a vice-presidential bid.
He also maintained that Nigeria should consider introducing an age limit for presidential and governorship candidates. His proposed limit is 70 years.
Utomi’s comments add another perspective to the continuing debate over political alliances ahead of 2027. They also highlight broader questions about leadership, age and executive office in Nigeria.
Recent discussions among political leaders have also focused on the structure of future elections.
As political consultations continue, the positions of individual politicians and groups may continue to evolve. For now, Utomi has publicly stated the conditions attached to his support for Obi.
He said his support is for Obi’s presidential ambition. He also made clear that he would withdraw that support if Obi accepts a vice-presidential position.
