Public affairs analyst Fabiyi Oladimeji has criticised renowned economist and political activist, Professor Pat Utomi, over his recent remarks on the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential primaries, describing them as biased, undemocratic, and capable of destabilising opposition politics ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The PDP chieftain was reacting to Prof. Utomi’s reported statement suggesting that he would withdraw his support for former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, if Obi does not emerge as the ADC’s presidential flagbearer.
According to Fabiyi, such comments go against the spirit of internal party democracy, which allows aspirants to contest freely and emerge through credible primaries.
He warned that issuing public ultimatums over party tickets risks turning opposition parties into platforms for entitlement rather than democratic competition.
“Politics is not economics. You don’t calculate victory on paper. You build structures, mobilise voters, and submit yourself to party processes,” Fabiyi said.
He therefore challenged Prof. Utomi to demonstrate his political strength, noting that endorsements alone do not win elections in Nigeria’s highly competitive political environment. “If you believe you can single-handedly make Peter Obi president, then do so,” Fabiyi added.
The analyst also reminded Nigerians that the ADC leadership has repeatedly assured party members that its presidential primaries will be transparent, inclusive, and open to all qualified aspirants, including Peter Obi and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
Fabiyi further stressed that Obi’s decision to join the ADC should be seen as a democratic move to test his popularity within the party, not as a basis to intimidate other aspirants or pre-determine outcomes.
He expressed concern that since Obi’s entry into the ADC, political tensions within the party have increased, with rising attacks, threats, and hostile narratives targeted at perceived rivals—developments he said are unhealthy for opposition unity.
According to him, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is not the only challenge facing the ADC. He warned that internal actors who undermine party rules and democratic norms pose an equally serious threat to the party’s credibility and chances in 2027.
Fabiyi urged party leaders, supporters, and political influencers to respect the ADC’s internal mechanisms and allow delegates to decide who flies the party’s flag.
He concluded by stressing that in Nigeria’s democracy, leadership is earned through elections and popular support, not through pressure, blackmail, or public ultimatums.
