The stage may be set for a significant political upheaval in Nigeria, as three prominent presidential candidates from the 2023 election, Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Peter Obi of the Labour Party, and Rabiu Kwankwaso of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), have reportedly reached an agreement to merge forces. This alliance aims to create a formidable political party that is poised to unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.
Professor Pat Utomi, a renowned political economist and a staunch supporter of Peter Obi during the 2023 presidential elections, revealed this monumental development in an exclusive interview with Channels TV. Utomi articulated that the trio, after extensive deliberations, have resolved to form a mega party with the collective ambition of assuming leadership in Nigeria. According to Utomi, the nation is in dire need of leaders who are willing to make sacrifices for its progress and development.
In his own words, Utomi emphasized the necessity for selfless dedication to nation-building, asserting, “We need people who sacrifice themselves to build a great country with the possible reward of immortality.” He further disclosed that he had engaged in discussions with Atiku Abubakar, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Peter Gregory Obi, and other influential figures, such as Ralph Okey Nwosu of ADC, who are likely to constitute the foundational structure of the nascent political entity.
Utomi underscored the essence of transcending individual ambitions for the collective good, emphasizing that the focus should be on Nigeria and its citizens, particularly the ordinary people who deserve genuine representation and a stake in the nation’s progress. He also highlighted the imperative shift from a paradigm of merely redistributing proceeds from oil sales to fostering a robust and productive economy, leveraging Nigeria’s abundant natural resources for the betterment of its people.
Notably, the eminent economist refrained from disclosing the actual name of the prospective political party at this juncture, adding an air of anticipation and mystery to the unfolding narrative.
As the political landscape in Nigeria undergoes a seismic transformation with this unprecedented collaboration, all eyes are now trained on the emergence and trajectory of this new political force, which holds the potential to reshape the nation’s future. The ramifications of this strategic alliance are poised to reverberate across the Nigerian political spectrum, signifying a pivotal juncture in the country’s democratic evolution.
