Political economist Professor Pat Utomi has reiterated that he will withdraw his support for Peter Obi if the former Anambra State governor accepts a vice-presidential position ahead of the 2027 general election.
Utomi, who has publicly backed Obi’s presidential ambition, said his support was specifically for Obi to seek the presidency and not to serve as another candidate’s running mate.
In a statement shared on X on Friday, Utomi said he considered it necessary to restate his position as political activities ahead of the 2027 election intensify.
He said, “Peter Obi has my support for the presidency,” but made clear that he did not support the possibility of Obi becoming another politician’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 stated.
Utomi said his position was not based on personal loyalty or opposition to any individual, but on his view of the kind of leadership Nigeria needs.
He also called for a national conversation on the age of politicians seeking executive office, proposing that presidential and governorship candidates should not be older than 70.
According to him, Nigeria needs leadership focused on the future and should reconsider the age profile of candidates seeking its highest executive positions.
Utomi had previously expressed the same position in January 2026 during an interview on Politics Today, saying he would “walk away” from Obi’s political camp if the former governor chose to run as a vice-presidential candidate.
