2027: Pat Utomi Endorses Peter Obi’s ‘Smart Exit’ From ADC

Former presidential candidate, Pat Utomi, has commended Peter Obi’s decision to exit the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), describing the move as strategic and well-calculated amid growing political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections.

According to Ireporter Online, Peter Obi recently emerged as the presidential candidate of the NDC shortly after leaving the ADC. He was officially presented with the party’s flag at its convention, where he also announced former Kano State Governor and leader of the Kwankwasiyya movement, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, as his running mate for the 2027 presidential race.

Speaking during an interview on ARISE Television, Utomi argued that Obi’s departure from the ADC was a wise decision, suggesting that he may have been politically constrained had he remained in the party, particularly in the aftermath of its presidential primaries.

He referenced concerns raised by other aspirants, including Chibuike Amaechi and Mohammed Hayatu-deen, who reportedly rejected the outcome of the ADC primaries, describing the process as flawed and lacking credibility.

Utomi further criticised the conduct of political party primaries in Nigeria, alleging that many are compromised and often reduced to what he described as a “make-believe democratic process,” where outcomes are effectively predetermined rather than genuinely contested.

He added that although internal polling suggested Obi could have performed strongly within the ADC, the overall structure and handling of the primaries made his exit a “smart move” in navigating an increasingly complex political landscape.