A prominent chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dele Momodu, has strongly challenged remarks by renowned political economist Professor Pat Utomi regarding the party’s 2027 presidential arrangements, insisting that any position which rules out former Anambra State governor Peter Obi from accepting a vice-presidential role contradicts democratic principles.
The media mogul and politician made his position clear in a statement shared on his verified X account on Friday, responding to comments Utomi had made during a television interview the previous day. Utomi had indicated he would withdraw his support for Obi should the former governor accept a vice-presidential position in the emerging opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Momodu’s reaction came shortly after Obi’s official defection to the ADC, a move that has generated considerable discussion within Nigeria’s opposition circles about possible alignments and ticket arrangements for the next presidential contest.
“Anyone insisting that Obi cannot run behind anyone is definitely not a Democrat who wishes to rescue Nigeria from one man dictatorship,” Momodu wrote in his response, signalling his disagreement with what he described as a rigid and unrealistic political stance.
Despite his criticism, Momodu was careful to acknowledge his long-standing relationship with Utomi, describing the professor as “one of the brightest Nigerians I love and respect.” He recounted their shared history, noting both personal and professional interactions that span years of Nigeria’s political and intellectual discourse.
However, the ADC chieftain argued that political success in Nigeria requires a pragmatic approach rather than rigid idealism, especially given the country’s complex political landscape.
“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 stated, suggesting that models which work elsewhere may not necessarily translate effectively to Nigeria’s unique political environment.
He expressed concern that intellectual brilliance, while admirable, does not guarantee electoral victory in Nigeria’s often unpredictable political terrain, where ethnic, religious, and regional considerations frequently influence voter behaviour.
“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,” Momodu remarked, using a colloquial Nigerian expression to describe sophisticated rhetoric that fails to connect with ordinary voters.
Drawing on recent political history to support his argument, Momodu pointed to the 2023 presidential election as a case study in political pragmatism. He noted that despite having Yemi Osinbajo, widely regarded as cerebral and articulate, the All Progressives Congress ultimately selected Bola Ahmed Tinubu as its flagbearer.
“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,” Momodu stated, underscoring his belief that electability considerations often trump perceived intellectual superiority in Nigerian politics.
The ADC chieftain also revisited how Obi gained national political prominence, crediting former Vice President Atiku Abubakar with providing the platform that elevated Obi beyond regional politics.
“In 2019, one visionary gentleman, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, placed Obi on the national platform against the wishes of many governors and stakeholders,” Momodu recalled, referencing the Peoples Democratic Party’s 2019 presidential ticket which paired Atiku as the presidential candidate with Obi as his running mate.
That partnership, though ultimately unsuccessful at the polls, introduced Obi to a national audience and helped establish his credentials as a fiscally prudent administrator with a track record from his tenure as Anambra State governor. The experience arguably laid the groundwork for Obi’s subsequent run as the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in 2023, where he emerged as a significant force, particularly among young voters.
Momodu urged Obi to demonstrate flexibility and party loyalty within the ADC structure, advising that such qualities would serve both the former governor and the party’s collective interests.
“Obi should be encouraged to be a humble party man,” he stated, suggesting that rigid positions on candidacy arrangements could undermine the opposition’s chances of presenting a united front against the ruling party in 2027.
Momodu’s intervention came on the same day that another ADC chieftain, Dr Ladan Salihu, also called for restraint among party members regarding debates over the 2027 presidential ticket. Speaking during an appearance on Arise Television’s The Morning Show on Friday, Salihu appealed to both Utomi and Obi’s supporters to prioritise party building over premature arguments about zoning and candidacy.
According to Salihu, the ADC should focus its energies on strengthening internal structures, expanding its membership base, and developing clear policy alternatives rather than engaging in potentially divisive debates about ticket arrangements when the election is still over a year away.
The exchange highlights the delicate balancing act facing Nigeria’s opposition parties as they attempt to forge alliances and agree on ticket arrangements ahead of the 2027 elections. With President Bola Tinubu expected to seek re-election on the APC platform, opposition parties face pressure to present a unified alternative that can challenge the ruling party’s hold on power.
Obi’s defection to the ADC from the Labour Party has added a new dimension to opposition politics. His performance in the 2023 presidential election, where he won in several states and galvanised significant youth support through social media, demonstrated his electoral appeal. However, questions about whether he can replicate or expand that support, and whether doing so requires him to lead a ticket or accept a supporting role, remain subjects of debate.
The disagreement between Momodu and Utomi reflects broader tensions within opposition circles about the best strategy for 2027. While some, like Utomi, appear to favour maintaining Obi’s position as a principal rather than a supporting candidate, others, like Momodu, argue that flexibility and coalition-building may offer the opposition its best chance of success.
Nigeria’s political history is replete with examples of prominent politicians accepting vice-presidential positions after previously running for or holding higher office. The precedent suggests that such arrangements, when strategically sound, can benefit both individuals and parties seeking to maximise their electoral prospects.
