By Our Reporter
Renowned political economist and former presidential candidate, Professor Pat Utomi, has thrown his weight behind the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as the platform for the new coalition of opposition forces seeking to unseat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election.
Utomi, who was the first presidential candidate of the ADC in 2007, declared his support in a statement circulating online, describing the party’s adoption as a positive step towards rebuilding Nigeria’s democratic and leadership values.
“As one of the founding fathers and the very first presidential candidate of the ADC in 2007, I give the coalition my blessings,” he said.
He commended the party’s evolving leadership—described as the “guardian class”—and urged them to prioritise the recruitment of young, competent, and courageous Nigerians who possess the character and passion for national service.
“The focus should be on socializing a new generation for rapid growth. It must not be just to replace incumbents, but to provide sacrificial service to redeem Nigeria and restore hope to our children,” Utomi said.
The former Lagos Business School professor lauded the ADC for becoming the foundation on which a new political movement could be built, calling it a path “away from this present darkness.”
He issued a rallying call to Nigerian youths to get involved in the political process by joining the ADC and seeking elective offices under its platform.
“I urge the youths of this nation to massively participate in holding key positions in ADC and to use the platform to run for elective positions,” Utomi added.
His endorsement comes as momentum builds around the emerging opposition coalition, which includes prominent figures like Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Nasir El-Rufai, all reportedly aligning to form a formidable challenge to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.