Political economist and former presidential candidate, Prof. Pat Utomi, has said he would withdraw his support for Peter Obi if the former Anambra State governor ever accepts to become the vice-presidential candidate to any politician in the 2027 general election

 

There have been speculations in some quarters that Obi’s defection to the ADC is for him to run as Atiku Abubakar’s Vice Presidential candidate in the 2027 elections.

 

 

 

 

Speaking on Channels TV on Thursday night December 1, Utomi confirmed that Obi ill run as a presidential candidate and added that should Obi accept to run as a Vice Presidential candidate, he will withdraw his support for him.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Peter Obi will contest for the presidency. The day he becomes somebody’s vice president, I will walk away from his corner. I can tell you that for a fact,” Utomi said

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Utomi also used the opportunity to criticise what he described as the growing tendency to turn the presidency into a refuge for elderly politicians.

 

“Something very important for this election to bear in mind, the Nigerian presidency has become a retirement home, where people go for the Nigerian State to pay their medical bills. It is not acceptable. Nigerian Travel Packages

 

Nobody over the age of 70 years should run for an executive position whether it be governor or president,” Utomi stated.

 

 

 

While clarifying his position, he said older politicians could still contribute meaningfully in other capacities, such as the legislature.

 

 

 

“Yes, people can stay in the legislature till their 75, possibly even close to 80, but the Nigerian people must not continue to tolerate presidency being where we keep people who need medical attention” he added