By Eshioromeh Sebastian
Political economist Pat Utomi has warned that any attempt to manipulate the 2027 general elections could plunge Nigeria into a national crisis, citing growing public anger over electoral malpractice.
Utomi spoke after what he described as an “accidental town hall meeting” in Manchester, United Kingdom, where he had gone for a lunch to which Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, was invited.
In a post on X, the professor said the gathering turned into a discussion on Nigeria’s political challenges, with participants expressing alarm at the confidence of some public officials in their ability to determine the outcome of the 2027 elections.
He said many of the questions raised at the meeting suggested worry about “the boldness of public officials in projecting rigging with results of elections of 2027 considered in the pocket.”
According to him, the participants were eager to know how they could contribute to preventing electoral malpractice, adding that their determination suggested serious consequences if the will of voters is undermined.
“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,” Utomi said.
The economist has publicly backed Obi’s presidential ambition but has said he would withdraw his support if Obi accepted a vice-presidential slot.
“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,” he said in an earlier post.
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