Renowned Professor of Political Economy, Pat Utomi, has warned that attempts to manipulate the 2027 general elections could plunge Nigeria into a serious national crisis, cautioning that any effort to subvert the will of voters could provoke widespread unrest.
Utomi said growing public concern over electoral malpractice reflected the determination of Nigerians to resist any attempt to predetermine the outcome of the next presidential election.
In a post on X, the professor disclosed that electoral integrity dominated discussions during an informal town hall meeting in Manchester, United Kingdom, where he attended a lunch to which Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), was invited.
According to Utomi, what began as a social gathering developed into a discussion about Nigeria’s political challenges, with participants raising concerns about what they perceived as the confidence of some public officials in their ability to manipulate the 2027 elections.
He wrote: “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 said many of the questions focused on fears that some politicians were behaving as though the outcome of the 2027 elections had already been determined.
“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,” he stated.
The professor added that participants were eager to explore ways of preventing electoral malpractice, suggesting that concerns about the credibility of the polls extend beyond Nigeria.
“They were energised to ask for how they could fight rigging,” he said.
Utomi subsequently issued a strong warning about the possible consequences of any attempt to undermine the electoral process, arguing that Nigerians might not accept a situation in which their votes were disregarded.
“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 warned.
His remarks highlight the political sensitivity surrounding preparations for the 2027 general elections, particularly concerns about electoral transparency, the credibility of results and the willingness of political actors to respect the choices of voters.
However, Utomi’s warning reflects his assessment of the potential consequences of electoral manipulation; it does not establish that the 2027 elections will be rigged or that any particular official has made a concrete plan to manipulate the polls.
Utomi Draws the Line on Obi’s 2027 Ambition
Utomi has openly supported Obi’s ambition to become Nigeria’s president in 2027, but has made clear that his backing is specifically for a presidential bid rather than a vice-presidential arrangement.
In an earlier post on X, the political economist said he would withdraw his support if the former Anambra State governor agreed to become the running mate of another presidential candidate.
“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,” Utomi stated.
The declaration underscores Utomi’s position that Obi should pursue the presidency in his own right rather than settle for the number-two position on another candidate’s ticket.
With the 2027 elections approaching, Utomi’s comments place electoral credibility and the protection of voters’ choices at the centre of the emerging political debate, while reinforcing his support for Obi’s presidential ambition.
