A political economist and activist, Prof Pat Utomi, has argued that Peter Obi would have been “trapped” if he had remained in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), citing concerns over the party’s internal nomination process ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Speaking during an interview on ARISE NEWS, Utomi described Obi’s decision to move from the ADC to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) as a good one, despite polls indicating that the former Anambra State governor was likely to emerge as the ADC’s presidential candidate.
According to Utomi, the challenge was not Obi’s popularity within the party but whether influential figures in the ADC would have allowed a transparent and credible primary election.
“Peter Obi moving from the ADC to the NDC was a good idea; otherwise, he would have been trapped,” Utomi said.
He added: “We had polling that suggested he would defeat the other candidates within the ADC; the problem was whether the main players within the ADC would allow a proper process. These primary processes are just make-believe.”
Utomi, a former presidential candidate, said he learned about Obi’s move to the NDC while he was in Michigan, United States.
Obi was subsequently reported to have emerged as the NDC’s consensus presidential candidate.
The remarks come amid political realignments ahead of the 2027 general election, as opposition politicians continue to reposition and seek viable platforms following the conclusion of presidential primaries in several parties.