Political economist and opinion leader, Prof. Pat Utomi, has reaffirmed his support for Peter Obi’s presidential bid in the 2027 general election but said he would withdraw his backing if the former Anambra State governor accepts a vice-presidential position.
Utomi disclosed this in a post on his official X account on Thursday while outlining his position on Obi’s political future and the leadership structure he believes Nigeria requires.
The political economist, who is backing Obi, said his support was specifically for the presidency and did not extend to a vice-presidential bid.
Utomi’s position comes as political alignments and possible presidential arrangements continue to take shape ahead of the 2027 elections.
He said his stance was based on the kind of leadership he wants for Nigeria rather than on individual personalities, arguing that the country needs a direction centred on its future.
Utomi also called for a review of the age of politicians seeking executive office, proposing that presidential and governorship candidates should be aged 70 or below.
He argued that the presidency should not serve as a retirement destination for politicians and called for a national discussion on age limits for candidates seeking the country’s highest elective office.
According to him, Nigeria needs leaders focused on the future rather than another cycle of political succession.
Utomi said the positions he had outlined were principles he had previously made public and should be left for Nigerians to assess.
His comments add another dimension to discussions surrounding Obi’s political future and the possible alliances that could emerge ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Obi, a former governor of Anambra State and presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, is now associated with the Nigeria Democratic Congress in the emerging 2027 political realignment.
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