By adegboyega Adeleye
Political economist, Prof. Pat Utomi, has declared his support for Peter Obi’s presidential ambition ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that he would withdraw his support if the former Anambra State governor accepts a vice-presidential position.
Utomi stated this in a post shared on his official X account on Thursday, where he reiterated his position on the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate’s political future and outlined his views on the kind of leadership he believes Nigeria needs.
“Peter Obi has my support for the presidency.
“But my position is clear, I am not supporting the idea of Peter Obi becoming somebody else’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,” he said.
Utomi said his position was not based on personalities, but on the type of leadership he believes Nigeria requires.
“My concern is not about personalities. It is about the kind of leadership Nigeria needs and the direction in which we want our country to go,” he said.
He also called for a rethink of the age of politicians seeking executive office, proposing that presidential and governorship candidates should be aged 70 or below.
According to him, the presidency should not be used as a retirement destination for politicians, stressing the need for leadership focused on the future.
“I have also argued that we should begin to rethink the age of those seeking executive office. The Nigerian presidency should not become a retirement home for politicians.
“I believe there should be a serious national conversation about limiting presidential and gubernatorial candidates to those aged 70 or below,” Utomi said.
He added that Nigeria needed leadership that was focused on the future rather than “another cycle of political succession.”
“These are principles I have stated publicly, and Nigerians should judge them for themselves,” he said.
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