Renowned scholar and former presidential candidate, Professor Pat Utomi, has commended Peter Obi for making what he describes as a strategic political shift. According to Utomi, Obi’s decision to leave the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC) was a wise move that prevented him from falling into a carefully laid trap.
Utomi pointed to the turmoil within the ADC, where notable presidential aspirants like Chibuike Amaechi and Mohammed Hayatu-deen publicly rejected the primary results, claiming irregularities. The academic argued that Obi, by switching parties, avoided similar chaos and positioned himself advantageously for the upcoming elections.
It was reported that Peter Obi has formally emerged as the presidential candidate of the NDC. During a weekend ceremony, he received the party’s flag and announced Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the former governor of Kano and leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement, as his running mate.
Speaking on Arise News, Utomi stated, “Even though polling suggested that Obi would defeat other candidates within the ADC, that would only hold if the main players allowed a fair process. Let’s be honest, the way these processes have been managed generally makes a complete mockery of democracy. They are mere charades, with candidates being imposed rather than democratically elected.”
Utomi further criticized the state of primary elections across political parties, labeling them as exercises in make-believe rather than genuine democratic contests. He emphasized that Obi’s timely exit from the ADC demonstrated sharp political instincts.
Amaechi, one of the prominent figures who joined the ADC coalition, had declared his presidential ambition for 2027 but lost the primary to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who is now the party’s flagbearer. Following the loss, Amaechi rejected the outcome, alleging widespread electoral malpractice. He threatened to challenge the results but has since remained quiet after a visit from Atiku at his Abuja residence.