Professor Pat Utomi, a political economist, has warned that attempts to manipulate the outcome of Nigeria’s 2027 general election could trigger serious unrest and potentially push the country towards civil war.
Utomi also expressed concern over growing public fears about electoral malpractice, warning that efforts to undermine the will of voters could have severe consequences for national stability.
In a post on X on Sunday, the professor recounted an informal town hall discussion in Manchester, United Kingdom, where he attended a lunch to which Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), was invited.
According to Utomi, what was expected to be a lunch gathering turned into an extensive discussion about Nigeria’s political challenges, particularly concerns surrounding the credibility of the 2027 elections.
He said participants expressed worry over what they perceived as the confidence of some public officials in their ability to manipulate the election results before voting takes place.
“I am in the middle of an accidental town hall meeting in Manchester in the UK. I came to a lunch to which Peter Obi was invited. I found food I looked forward to deferred for questions on the trouble with Nigeria,” he wrote.
Utomi said many of the questions focused on the belief that some politicians appeared convinced that the outcome of the next presidential election had already been determined.
“Many of the questions suggest worry about the boldness of public officials in projecting rigging with results of elections of 2027 considered in the pocket,” he stated.
He added that several participants wanted to know what they could do to prevent electoral manipulation and protect the integrity of the voting process.
“They were energised to ask for how they could fight rigging,” Utomi said.
The professor subsequently warned that any attempt to override the choice of voters could lead to a major national crisis.
“The determination to do whatever will prevent election malpractice suggests we may see a civil war if power tries to muscle the will of the people this time,” he said.
Utomi Says His Support for Obi Depends on Presidential Ambition
Utomi has openly supported Peter Obi’s ambition to become Nigeria’s president in 2027. However, he has made it clear that his support would end if the former Anambra State governor agreed to become another candidate’s running mate.
In an earlier post on X, Utomi stressed that his backing was specifically for Obi to contest the presidency, rather than accept a vice-presidential position.
“Peter Obi has my support for the presidency. But my position is clear, I am not supporting the idea of Peter Obi becoming somebody else’s Vice President. The day Peter Obi accepts a Vice Presidential position, I will walk away from his corner,” he said.
Obi contested the 2023 presidential election under the Labour Party, attracting significant support from voters seeking an alternative to the established political parties.
Utomi has also recently criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration over the rising cost of living, arguing that increasing petrol prices and low wages have worsened the economic difficulties facing Nigerians.
His latest comments add to the growing political debate surrounding electoral credibility, the 2027 general election and concerns about the consequences of any attempt to manipulate the outcome.
