Games Were Being Played – Utomi Justifies Obi’s Swift Move To NDC

Political economist and former presidential candidate Professor Pat Utomi has described Peter Obi’s departure from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) as a wise move, while disclosing that he only learned of the decision while outside the country and had initially argued against such a defection.

Speaking during an interview on ARISE News, Utomi said: “I was out of the country when the move took place. I wasn’t aware of the plans. I had argued very stoutly that everybody should stay where they are and prove that victory could be secured from that platform.”

However, Utomi suggested that concerns over alleged political manoeuvres within the ADC may have compelled Obi and his allies to act before being edged out of the process. “I was aware that certain games were being played to prevent a particular candidate from getting on the ballot. They had to move quickly to avoid falling into that trap. With the benefit of hindsight, they may have acted wisely,” he stated.

Utomi pointed to recent tensions within the ADC as further indication that Obi’s exit may have been strategic. “With what we have now seen inside the ADC, with disputes involving Richmond and others, it appeared almost predetermined that events would move in a particular direction. It was a smart move on his part,” he added.

Despite defending Obi’s decision, Utomi lamented the steady erosion of internal democracy across Nigerian political parties, arguing that primary elections have become exercises controlled by party power brokers. “Across parties, primary processes have become largely artificial. Party hierarchies and political godfathers impose outcomes and merely stage a performance of democracy,” he said.

Utomi also criticised Nigeria’s political culture for suppressing competence and called on INEC to take a firmer position against frequent party switching, which he said weakens accountability. “This obsession with power and public office is damaging our politics. Nigerian politicians must begin to put country above ego and personal ambition,” he stated.