Renowned economist and political activist, Professor Pat Utomi, has warned that Nigeria has reached a critical dead end and can no longer continue on its current path, calling for urgent national rebuilding through collective leadership ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Utomi made these remarks during a recent interview with Symfoni at Tambuwal’s 60th Birthday celebration where he reflected on Nigeria’s political journey since the return to democratic rule in 1999, noting that while setbacks are part of nation-building, the country’s present condition requires more than hope or patience.
According to him, dissatisfaction with the state of the nation is widespread, cutting across both ordinary citizens and those currently in power. He argued that Nigeria has drifted far from the ideals that inspired the transition from military rule, stressing that the country is now operating at a point where the system can no longer function effectively.
Utomi traced many of Nigeria’s governance challenges to the early days of the Fourth Republic, explaining that experienced politicians underestimated the military’s decision to hand over power and chose to adopt a wait-and-see approach. This, he said, created a vacuum that was quickly filled by individuals who viewed public office as an avenue for personal enrichment rather than service, a development from which the country has struggled to recover.
He maintained that Nigeria’s political crisis has been worsened by the persistent belief that a single leader can rescue the nation, describing such expectations as misguided and harmful. Utomi argued that successive administrations have failed to deliver meaningful change because governance has been personalised instead of institutionalised.Rejecting the idea of a political “superman” emerging in 2027, Utomi said Nigeria needs collective leadership anchored on accountability, competence and shared responsibility among the political elites. He stressed that only a coordinated leadership approach can address deep-rooted problems and deliver lasting solutions for the Nigerian people.
Utomi also criticised the political culture that has allowed state resources to be captured by a few individuals, leaving the majority poorer despite Nigeria’s vast potential. He said politics in Nigeria has been reduced to a platform for wealth accumulation, with money becoming a major barrier to entry for credible and service-minded citizens.
Clarifying his widely discussed “Peter Obi or nothing” position, Utomi explained that his stance was rooted in a desire for a new approach to governance rather than personal loyalty. He said his support is based on values such as humility, openness to ideas and a genuine commitment to doing things differently.
As the 2027 elections approach, Utomi urged Nigerians and the political elites to recognise that the country has reached a defining moment. He expressed hope that patriotism would drive a collective decision to rebuild the nation, restore public trust and create a system that works for all, not just a privileged few.
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