By Fabiyi
The remarks made by the respected economist, Prof. Pat Utomi about the possibility of former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi not winning the presidential ticket of the ADC comes with deep disappointment. In them, he threatened to withdraw his support for Peter Obi should Obi accept anything less than the presidential ticket in the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Given Prof. Utomi’s long experience in Nigerian politics — from serving as Special Adviser to the late former President Shehu Shagari to contesting as a presidential candidate in a previous election — one would expect a deeper understanding of political realities. Yet, his statement struck me as undemocratic, fallacious, and intellectually redundant.
Such a position undermines core democratic principles while sowing division and eroding confidence within the opposition.
If Prof. Utomi believes he can single-handedly make Peter Obi president, he should proceed to do so. Politics is not economics; it demands strategy, compromise, and collaboration.
I wonder how many votes Prof. Utomi could garner for Peter Obi even from his own polling unit.
The leadership of the ADC has repeatedly assured Nigerians and all aspirants that the party’s primaries will be free, fair, and open to contest.
Peter Obi should beware of such divisive elements around him. True democracy thrives on elections and open contests.
It is now evident that Obi did not join the ADC to collaborate with Atiku Abubakar but to challenge him for the ticket — which, to me, is a welcome development in a democratic process.
Since Peter Obi joined the ADC, threats, blackmail, and negative narratives against Atiku — often fueled by Obidients and supporters — appear to stem from unguarded statements like those of Prof. Pat Utomi.
Nigerians have come to realise that the APC is not the only threat to the ADC; some self-proclaimed members within the ADC also act as internal opposition. Therefore, protecting our democracy is paramount, and we will not be cowed or misled by anyone seeking to impose their preferred candidate.
Encourage your choice to enter the contest and test his popularity at the polls. Victory in politics is earned through elections, not granted or imposed.
-Fabiyi is a strong advocate of the Atiku presidency and lives in Abuja