Professor Pat Utomi, a member of the Movement for Credible Elections, has rejected the idea of a single candidate for opposition parties in the 2027 presidential election. Instead, he advocates for cooperation among opposition parties to strengthen their chances. Utomi described the demand for all opposition figures to rally behind one candidate as a “false narrative”. He suggests that opposition parties could work together in areas such as election monitoring, vote protection, and shared resources.
Utomi, a former presidential candidate, made these remarks on Arise News on Tuesday. He proposed an approach he termed “co-opetition”, where political actors compete electorally while cooperating on areas of common interest. According to him, opposition parties could jointly deploy resources such as technology and election monitors to protect votes during the 2027 polls. This approach, he believes, would improve the credibility of the electoral process.
Utomi also argued that a government of national unity should focus on national interest rather than political appointments or power-sharing arrangements. He emphasized that Nigeria’s political class must move beyond the pursuit of power and focus on long-term nation-building. The scholar reflected on his generation’s role in the country’s development, stating that his generation had failed Nigerians.
Utomi expressed that younger generations have a responsibility to demand better leadership. He stated that his generation had betrayed its mission to the Nigerian people. The professor emphasized that the future of Nigeria should remain the priority as opposition parties prepare for the 2027 election.
On convincing presidential aspirants to prioritize collective interests over personal ambitions, Utomi said many political figures already have relationships that could make cooperation possible. He noted that opposition parties could compete against one another while working together to protect votes and improve the credibility of the electoral process.
Utomi’s comments come as the country prepares for the 2027 election. His suggestions have sparked a fresh debate on the best approach for opposition parties to adopt. The Movement for Credible Elections, of which Utomi is a member, has been advocating for reforms in the electoral process.
Utomi’s call for cooperation among opposition parties highlights the need for a united front against the ruling party. His ideas may shape the opposition’s strategy in the 2027 election. The outcome of the election will depend on various factors, including the opposition’s ability to present a united front.
Key points
- Opposition parties could strengthen their chances through collaboration while allowing candidates to remain in the race.
- Utomi proposes an approach of “co-opetition” where political actors compete electorally while cooperating on areas of common interest.
- A government of national unity should focus on national interest rather than political appointments or power-sharing arrangements.
