Utomi Has No Moral Right” — Dele Momodu Blasts Pat Utomi Over Obi VP Warning

A senior member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dele Momodu, has taken a swipe at political economist Professor Pat Utomi over his insistence that former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, should not accept a vice-presidential position in the part....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Momodu made the comments on Friday via his verified account while reacting to Utomi’s remarks following Obi’s recent defection to the ADC.

Utomi had, during a television interview on Thursday, warned that he would withdraw his support for Obi should the former governor agree to run as a vice-presidential candidate.

In response, Momodu expressed shock at the position, arguing that it lacked both political pragmatism and democratic values.

“Anyone insisting that Obi cannot run behind anyone is clearly not a democrat who genuinely desires to rescue Nigeria from a one-man dictatorship,” Momodu wrote.

While acknowledging his long-standing relationship with Utomi and expressing personal respect for him, Momodu stressed that Nigeria’s political realities demand practical strategies rather than rigid idealism.

“Professor Pat Utomi is one of the brightest Nigerians I know and deeply respect,” he stated.

He added that political models that work elsewhere may not necessarily succeed in Nigeria’s unique environment.

“Every country must develop its own organic political strategies, even while learning from others. Nigeria’s political terrain is highly unusual,” Momodu noted.

He further argued that intellectual depth alone does not guarantee electoral success in Nigeria, where ethnic and sentimental considerations often shape voting behaviour.

“This is why statements like the one attributed to my egbon, Pat, often trouble me. Experience has shown that eloquence and ‘big grammar’ do not win elections here,” he said.

Citing recent political history, Momodu pointed out that parties typically prioritise electability over intellectual appeal.

“The APC had a brilliant and cerebral candidate in Yemi Osinbajo, yet opted for Bola Ahmed Tinubu as its presidential flagbearer in 2023. Reality often trumps theory,” he observed.

Momodu also recalled that Obi’s national visibility significantly increased in 2019 when former Vice President Atiku Abubakar chose him as his running mate, despite resistance from some party stakeholders.

“In 2019, a visionary leader, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, placed Obi on the national stage against the wishes of many governors and party leaders,” he said.

He concluded by advising Obi to fully embrace party discipline, noting that humility and loyalty are vital in coalition politics.

“Peter Obi should be encouraged to be a humble party man,” Momodu added.

Momodu’s remarks followed earlier comments by another ADC chieftain, Dr Ladan Salihu, who appealed for moderation among party members and Obi’s supporters.

Speaking on Arise Television’s The Morning Show on Friday, Salihu urged stakeholders to focus on building and strengthening the ADC rather than engaging in premature debates over zoning, tickets, and candidacies ahead of 2027.

y’s proposed 2027 coalition, describing such a stance as undemocratic.