Professor of Political Economy, Pat Utomi, has warned that makes an attempt to control the 2027 basic elections might set off a civil struggle in Nigeria, citing rising public concern over electoral malpractice.
Utomi raised the alarm in a put up on X on Sunday, recounting discussions throughout a casual city corridor assembly in Manchester, United Kingdom, the place he attended a lunch to which Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, was invited.
According to Utomi, the gathering was a dialogue about Nigeria’s political challenges, with members expressing concern over what they perceived as the arrogance of some public officers of their potential to control the result of the 2027 elections.
He mentioned a number of questions targeted on considerations that some politicians appeared to imagine the election outcomes have been already assured, whereas members additionally sought methods to stop electoral malpractice.
Utomi mentioned the dedication expressed by these on the gathering to withstand electoral manipulation raised considerations in regards to the potential penalties of any try to undermine the desire of voters.
“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 mentioned.
Utomi has publicly supported Obi’s ambition to turn out to be president in 2027 however has maintained that his assist would finish if the previous Anambra State governor accepts a vice-presidential place as a substitute of contesting for the presidency.
In an earlier put up on X, Utomi mentioned his backing was particularly for Obi’s presidential ambition, including that he would withdraw his assist if Obi agreed to turn out to be one other candidate’s operating mate.
Obi contested the 2023 presidential election on the platform of the Labour Party.
Utomi has additionally criticised the administration of President Bola Tinubu over the rising price of dwelling, arguing that prime petrol costs and low wages have worsened the financial challenges going through Nigerians.
Boluwatife Enome
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