Obi’s Move to NDC Was Strategic, Says Utomi
Economist and political figure Professor Pat Utomi has defended Peter Obi’s decision to leave the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the New Democratic Congress (NDC), describing the move as a practical step taken to avoid political setbacks.
Speaking during a television interview, Utomi argued that the manner in which party primaries are conducted across Nigeria leaves little room for genuine competition, claiming that influential figures often determine outcomes.
He said developments within the opposition space suggested Obi may have faced political disadvantages had he remained in his previous party platform.
Utomi explained that although he initially preferred political actors to remain within the ADC and work through internal disagreements, subsequent events indicated that strategic repositioning became necessary.
Addressing his own political direction, he said his long-running Big Tent coalition would continue to function independently of any single political party and would maintain its broader objective of promoting governance reforms.
He added that the coalition’s policy work had not been abandoned but had instead evolved into a broader national agenda intended to attract support from politicians across party lines.
On the state of opposition politics, Utomi criticised what he described as excessive personal ambition among political actors, arguing that the pursuit of office had weakened efforts toward building stronger institutions.
He also expressed concern over what he sees as a recycling of political leadership without fresh ideas, saying Nigeria needs more competence-driven politics.
Clarifying earlier comments about election monitoring, Utomi stated that proposals for live monitoring of polling unit results originated from discussions within the Big Tent movement rather than the NDC.
He said the initiative would involve multiple civic groups, diaspora networks, and volunteers using digital tools to upload polling unit results immediately after collation.
Utomi also disclosed plans for a voter participation initiative supported partly by Nigerians abroad, which would encourage citizens to document and upload election results from polling units.
Assessing the current administration’s economic record, he argued that headline economic indicators fail to reflect the realities faced by many citizens, insisting that deeper structural issues remain unresolved despite government claims of progress.
