By Karen James
Renowned political economist, Prof. Pat Utomi, has revealed that his plan to form a mega political party ahead of the 2027 general elections is on track. Utomi, who recently returned to Nigeria after an extended stay in the US, stated that the redemption of the country cannot be achieved by the current ruling party or any of the opposition parties. According to him, the existing political parties have failed to add value to nation-building and it is time for a disruptive force to emerge.
Utomi emphasized that the nature and structure of Nigerian politics incentivize elected officials to prioritize their own interests over the wellbeing of the nation. He argued that a new political order must be established to rescue Nigeria from its current challenges and deliver the impactful leadership the country truly deserves. To this end, he plans to form a mega party that will bring together like-minded individuals and political groups who are committed to the transformation of the nation.
In his quest to float the mega party, Utomi revealed that he will be holding meetings in Lagos this week, followed by meetings in Abuja next week, culminating in a press conference. He hopes to achieve significant progress in the discussions before returning to the US.
The composition of the mega party will consist of two cohorts of politicians: the “mea culpa” and “new value” cohorts. The “mea culpa” cohort comprises politicians who have recognized that their past actions while in power did not benefit Nigeria and are remorseful. They have expressed their willingness to be part of the redemption initiative. The “new value” cohort, on the other hand, will consist of individuals from various political parties who share a common vision for positive change.
Utomi also mentioned that elder statesmen would be included in the fold, further enriching the diversity and experience of the party.
It is worth recalling that Utomi had previously revealed his conversations with leaders of various opposition parties, including Atiku Abubakar of the PDP, Peter Obi of the LP, and Rabiu Kwankwaso of the NNPP, regarding the formation of a new mega party to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress in the 2027 elections.
With Utomi’s determination and the growing momentum behind the formation of a mega party, the political landscape in Nigeria may witness a significant transformation in the coming years. The success of this initiative will depend on the ability of like-minded individuals and political groups to unite under a common vision for the development and prosperity of Nigeria.
