Veteran journalist and African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain Dele Momodu has criticised comments by political economist Professor Pat Utomi on the party’s 2027 presidential calculations, warning that ruling out a vice-presidential role for Peter Obi contradicts democratic principles.
Momodu made the remarks on Friday in a post shared on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account, reacting to Utomi’s recent television interview in which the professor threatened to withdraw support for Obi should the former Anambra State governor accept a vice-presidential slot within the ADC-led opposition coalition.
Okay News reports that Utomi’s comments followed Obi’s official defection from the Labour Party to the ADC, a move that has triggered intense debate about the party’s leadership structure and electoral strategy ahead of Nigeria’s next general election.
Expressing clear disagreement with Utomi’s stance, Momodu argued that insisting Obi must only contest as a presidential candidate undermines democratic flexibility.
“Anyone insisting that Obi cannot run behind anyone is definitely not a Democrat who wishes to rescue Nigeria from one man dictatorship,” Momodu wrote.
While acknowledging his long-standing respect for Utomi, Momodu said Nigeria’s political realities demand pragmatism rather than rigid idealism.
“Professor Pat Utomi is one of the brightest Nigerians I love and respect,” he said, recalling their shared history, but stressed that political strategy must be grounded in local realities rather than theoretical models.
“My candid view is that every nation must have its own organic strategies while it may study and borrow ideas from elsewhere. The Nigerian topography is an abnormal configuration,” Momodu added.
He further argued that intellectual depth alone rarely determines electoral outcomes in Nigeria, where voting behaviour is often influenced by ethnic, regional, and emotional considerations.
“This is why the above statement credited to my egbon, Pat, often breaks my heart. He seems not to have learnt from his own experience that ‘big grammar’ does not win elections,” he wrote.
Momodu cited recent political history to underscore his point, referencing the All Progressives Congress’ decision during the 2023 election cycle.
“APC had a far more fascinating and cerebral Yemi Osinbajo, yet it chose Bola Ahmed Tinubu as its flagbearer in 2023. The key word is reality,” he said.
He also revisited Obi’s own political rise to national prominence, noting that it was made possible through compromise and strategic partnership.
“In 2019, one visionary gentleman, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, placed Obi on the national platform against the wishes of many governors and stakeholders,” Momodu stated.
Concluding his remarks, Momodu urged Obi to prioritise party cohesion and discipline over personal ambition.
“Obi should be encouraged to be a humble party man,” he said.
