A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dele Momodu, has criticised political economist, Professor Pat Utomi, over his insistence that former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, should not accept a vice-presidential position in the party’s proposed 2027 coalition.
Momodu described Utomi’s stance as undemocratic and politically unrealistic.
The publisher and politician made his views known on Friday via his verified 𝕏 (formerly Twitter) account while reacting to Utomi’s comments following Obi’s official defection to the ADC.
Utomi, during a television interview on Thursday, had warned that he would withdraw his support for Obi should the former governor agree to run as a vice-presidential candidate in 2027.
Reacting, Momodu said such a position contradicts democratic principles and undermines collective efforts to challenge entrenched political dominance.
“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 affirming his respect and long-standing relationship with Utomi, Momodu argued that Nigeria’s political terrain demands pragmatic strategies rather than rigid idealism.
“Professor Pat Utomi is one of the brightest Nigerians I love and respect,” he said, adding that political strategies successful in other democracies may not necessarily work in Nigeria.
According to Momodu, Nigeria’s political environment is shaped by unique social and cultural realities that cannot be ignored.
“My candid view is that every nation must develop its own organic strategies. The Nigerian topography is an abnormal configuration,” he stated.
He further argued that intellectual depth alone does not guarantee electoral success in Nigeria, where ethnic, regional and other primordial sentiments often determine outcomes.
“This is why the statement credited to my egbon, Pat, often breaks my heart. He seems not to have learnt from experience that ‘big grammar’ does not win elections,” Momodu said.
Citing recent political history, Momodu noted that political parties often prioritise electability over academic brilliance.
“The APC had a far more fascinating and cerebral Yemi Osinbajo, yet it chose Bola Ahmed Tinubu as its flagbearer in 2023. The keyword is reality,” he said.
Momodu also recalled that Obi first gained national prominence in 2019 after former Vice President Atiku Abubakar selected him as his running mate, despite resistance from some party stakeholders.
“In 2019, one visionary gentleman, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, placed Obi on the national platform against the wishes of many governors and stakeholders,” he noted.
He concluded by urging Obi to embrace party discipline and collective decision-making.
“Obi should be encouraged to be a humble party man,” Momodu added.
Momodu’s comments came hours after another ADC chieftain, Dr Ladan Salihu, appealed for restraint among party members and Obi’s supporters.
Speaking on Arise Television’s The Morning Show on Friday, Salihu urged party stakeholders to focus on strengthening the ADC ahead of 2027 rather than engaging in premature disputes over zoning and candidacy.
