Veteran journalist and African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain, Dele Momodu, has criticised political economist Professor Pat Utomi over his recent comments on the party’s 2027 presidential ticket and the political future of former Labour Party candidate, Peter Obi.
Momodu, a former presidential aspirant, reacted in a post on his verified X account on Friday, faulting Utomi’s stance following Obi’s defection to the ADC.
Utomi had said during a Channels Television interview that he would withdraw his support for Obi if the former Anambra State governor accepted a vice-presidential slot in the emerging opposition coalition.
Momodu described Utomi’s position as undemocratic, insisting that ruling out the possibility of Obi serving as a running mate undermines democratic choice.
“Anyone insisting that Obi cannot run behind anyone is definitely not a Democrat who wishes to rescue Nigeria from one man dictatorship,” Momodu wrote.
While acknowledging his admiration for Utomi, Momodu argued that Nigerian politics demands strategic realism rather than rigid idealism.
“Professor Pat Utomi is one of the brightest Nigerians I love and respect,” he said, noting their long-standing relationship. “But Nigeria’s political terrain is an abnormal configuration.”
He stressed that intellectual excellence alone does not guarantee electoral success, pointing to what he described as “primordial sentiments” shaping voting patterns.
“Big grammar does not win elections,” Momodu added, recalling Utomi’s own political experience.
He noted that political parties often prioritise candidates with stronger electoral prospects over those perceived as more cerebral.
“APC had a far more fascinating and cerebral Yemi Osinbajo, yet it chose Bola Ahmed Tinubu as its flagbearer in 2023. The keyword is reality,” he said.
Momodu further recalled that Obi’s rise to national prominence began when he was selected as running mate to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in 2019, despite opposition from several governors and stakeholders.
He urged Obi to remain loyal to his new party structure, adding: “Obi should be encouraged to be a humble party man.”
 chieftain, Dele Momodu, has criticised political economist Professor Pat Utomi){kind=link}