Daud Olatunji
A professor of political economy, Pat Utomi, has warned that Nigeria could face a civil war if the 2027 general election is manipulated to deny voters their preferred candidates.
Utomi said growing concerns about electoral malpractice and what he described as the apparent confidence of some public officials in their ability to influence the outcome of the next election could plunge the country into a serious political crisis.
The political economist raised the alarm in a post on X on Sunday following an informal town hall discussion in Manchester, United Kingdom, where he said participants expressed concerns about the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process.
According to him, what was supposed to be a lunch attended by former Anambra State governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, turned into an extensive discussion about Nigeria’s political challenges and the need to protect the integrity of the 2027 elections.
Utomi said the participants were particularly disturbed by what they perceived as the growing boldness of some politicians and public officials in suggesting that the outcome of the forthcoming election was already predetermined.
He wrote, “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.”
The professor said the participants also wanted to know how they could contribute to preventing electoral manipulation and ensuring that the outcome of the election reflected the wishes of the electorate.
He added that their determination to resist electoral malpractice underscored the seriousness of public concerns about the country’s democratic future.
Warning of the possible consequences of manipulating the election, Utomi said any attempt to impose political leadership against the will of Nigerians could provoke a dangerous confrontation.
“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.
His warning comes amid growing political activities ahead of the 2027 general election, with politicians and political groups intensifying preparations for the contest.
Utomi did not, in the remarks cited, identify the public officials allegedly projecting confidence in their ability to manipulate the election or provide specific evidence of a plan to rig the forthcoming poll.
Nevertheless, his comments highlighted concerns about electoral credibility and the potential consequences of a disputed outcome in a country with a history of contentious elections.
The political economist has been an outspoken supporter of Obi’s presidential ambition but has insisted that his support is specifically for the former Anambra governor to contest for the presidency, rather than accept a vice-presidential position.
In an earlier post on X, Utomi said he would withdraw his support if Obi agreed to become the running mate of another presidential candidate.
“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 on the platform of the Labour Party, emerging as a major opposition figure in the contest won by President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress.
Utomi has also criticised the Tinubu administration over the country’s economic situation, particularly the rising cost of living, arguing that higher petrol prices and low wages have worsened the hardship facing Nigerians.
'
'Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
'