Chuks Okocha in Abuja
Renowned Professor of Political Economy, Pat Utomi, has warned that makes an attempt to control the 2027 elections might set off critical unrest in Nigeria.
Utomi added that rising public concern over electoral malpractice might have extreme penalties.
In a publish on X, Utomi stated he encountered sturdy curiosity in electoral integrity throughout a casual city corridor assembly in Manchester, United Kingdom, the place he attended a lunch to which Peter Obi, presidential candidate of Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), was invited.
He stated the gathering became a dialogue on Nigeria’s political challenges, with contributors expressing concern over what they perceived as the arrogance of some public officers in their capability to control the 2027 elections.
He acknowledged, “I am in the middle of an accidental town hall meeting in Manchester in the UK. I came to a lunch to which Peter Obi was invited. I found food I looked forward to questions on the trouble with Nigeria.”
Utomi stated a number of questions centred on considerations that some politicians appeared to consider the end result of the 2027 elections was already settled.
“Many of the questions suggest worry about the boldness of public officials in projecting rigging with results of elections of 2027 considered in the pocket,” Utomi stated.
The professor added that contributors needed to know the way they might contribute to stopping electoral malpractice.
“They were energised to ask for how they could fight rigging,” he acknowledged, warning that makes an attempt to undermine the need of voters might provoke a extreme nationwide disaster.
“The determination to do whatever will prevent election malpractice suggests we may see a civil war if power tries to muscle the will of the people this time,” he stated.
Utomi has publicly supported Obi’s ambition to change into president in 2027 however has stated he would withdraw his assist if the previous Anambra governor accepted a vice-presidential place.
In an earlier publish on X, Utomi stated his backing was particularly for Obi to contest the presidency, quite than function one other candidate’s operating mate.
He stated, “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.”
