Politics

2027 Presidency: Dele Momodu Knocks Pat Utomi Over Peter Obi VP Comments

Published

3 weeks ago

January 2, 2026

Dele Momodu and Professor Pat Utomi

2027 Presidency: Dele Momodu Knocks Pat Utomi Over Peter Obi VP Comments

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dele Momodu, has faulted comments by political economist Professor Pat Utomi on the party’s 2027 presidential ticket, insisting that anyone who claims Peter Obi cannot be a vice-presidential candidate “is not a democrat.”

Momodu made the remarks in a post on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account on Friday while reacting to Utomi’s comments following Peter Obi’s defection to the ADC.

Utomi, during a television interview on Thursday, had warned that he would withdraw his support for Obi if the former Anambra State governor accepted a vice-presidential slot within the emerging opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 elections.

Expressing surprise at Utomi’s stance, Momodu described the position as politically unrealistic and contrary to democratic principles.

“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 long-standing friendship and respect for Utomi, Momodu stressed that political success in Nigeria requires pragmatism rather than idealism.

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“Professor Pat Utomi is one of the brightest Nigerians I love and respect,” he said, but added that Nigeria’s political terrain differs significantly from theoretical models often referenced by intellectuals.

“My candid view is that every nation must have its own organic strategies, even while borrowing ideas from elsewhere. The Nigerian topography is an abnormal configuration,” Momodu stated.

He argued that intellectual brilliance alone rarely guarantees electoral victory in Nigeria, where what he described as primordial sentiments often influence voting behaviour.

“This is why statements like this credited to my egbon, Pat, often break my heart. He seems not to have learnt from experience that big grammar does not win elections,” he added.

Momodu cited recent political history to support his argument, noting that political parties often prioritise electability over perceived intellectual depth.

“The APC had a more cerebral Yemi Osinbajo, yet it chose Bola Ahmed Tinubu as its presidential candidate in 2023. The key word is reality,” he said.

He also recalled that Obi’s rise to national prominence began in 2019, when former Vice President Atiku Abubakar selected him as his running mate despite opposition from some party leaders.

“In 2019, one visionary gentleman, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, placed Obi on the national platform against the wishes of many governors and stakeholders,” Momodu said.

He concluded by urging Obi to embrace party discipline and flexibility, describing him as someone who should be “encouraged to be a humble party man” as preparations for Nigeria’s 2027 general election gather momentum.

2027 Presidency: Dele Momodu Knocks Pat Utomi Over Peter Obi VP Comments

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Edo APC Surges With Mass Opposition Defections, Eyes 2027 Victory

Published

47 minutes ago

January 24, 2026

Trends Admin

Edo APC Surges With Mass Opposition Defections, Eyes 2027 Victory

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has strengthened its political dominance in Edo State as scores of opposition leaders and party members formally defected to the ruling party. The mass defection, which took place at a rally in Iguobazuwa, Ovia South West Local Government Area, is being hailed by party officials as a vote of confidence in APC governance and a strategic boost ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Welcoming the defectors, Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa stated that the influx reflects public approval of the development agenda and policies of the APC-led administration. Party leaders emphasised that these moves signal a collapse of opposition influence in the state and a consolidation of APC’s position at the grassroots level.

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High-profile defections in recent months include Hon. Maria Edeko, Deputy Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, who left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the APC, increasing the ruling party’s assembly majority to 22 members. Governor Monday Okpebholo has also expressed confidence that these trends reflect a growing mandate for APC’s governance and leadership ahead of the 2027 polls.

Political analysts note that Edo’s developments mirror a nationwide trend in which opposition figures are increasingly joining the APC, highlighting party dominance, weak opposition structures, and strategic realignments ahead of the general elections. Critics, however, warn that the trend may deepen political polarization and limit the effectiveness of democratic competition in the state.

Edo APC Surges With Mass Opposition Defections, Eyes 2027 Victory

Politics

Kwankwaso Loyalists Resign From Gov. Yusuf’s Administration

Published

56 minutes ago

January 24, 2026

Trends Admin

Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso

Kwankwaso Loyalists Resign From Gov. Yusuf’s Administration

Several loyalists of Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso have resigned their political appointments in Kano State, escalating tensions following Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s exit from the NNPP and signals of alignment with the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The resignations were led by Sunusi Sirajo, Special Adviser on Political Matters, who announced his departure via social media, citing a betrayal of Kwankwaso’s political ideology. Others leaving the administration include Sumaila Abdullahi, provost of the Anti‑Corruption Institute; Sadiq Kura Mohammad, Managing Director of Kano Zoo; and Abdullahi Ahmad Namama, Senior Special Assistant on Intergovernmental and Foreign Affairs.

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Governor Yusuf’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature, confirmed that replacements are underway, including the appointment of Mustapha Hamza Buhari as Special Adviser on Political Matters. The NNPP flags have been removed from the Kano Government House, visually signalling the political shift within the state government.

The resignations come in the wake of Governor Yusuf’s formal resignation from the NNPP, accompanied by defections of state lawmakers, House of Representatives members, and local government chairmen. The move is widely seen as a precursor to joining the APC, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Senator Kwankwaso has urged his supporters to remain committed to the Kwankwasiyya movement, reassuring them not to abandon the party’s ideology despite the mass resignations. Political analysts say the developments mark a significant realignment in Kano politics, raising questions about the future of the NNPP in the state.

Kwankwaso Loyalists Resign From Gov. Yusuf’s Administration

Politics

Kwankwaso Issues Fresh Directive to Supporters as Kano Governor, Lawmakers Defect to APC

Published

10 hours ago

January 24, 2026

Trends Admin

Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso

Kwankwaso Issues Fresh Directive to Supporters as Kano Governor, Lawmakers Defect to APC

Leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and founder of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has issued a fresh directive to his supporters following the defection of Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and several lawmakers to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Kwankwaso urged his loyalists across Kano State to remain calm, disciplined, and committed to the ideals of the movement, describing the defections as a political development that should not weaken the party’s grassroots base. He advised supporters facing pressure to defect to exercise caution and strategic patience, stressing that long-term political goals must not be sacrificed for short-term advantages.

The directive comes amid reports that the governor, alongside members of the Kano State House of Assembly, federal lawmakers, and several local government officials, has resigned from the NNPP to join the ruling APC, a move that has triggered a major political realignment in the state ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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Kwankwaso and NNPP leaders have alleged that some of the defections were carried out under political pressure, a claim that has further heightened tensions between the NNPP leadership and the Kano State Government. The party insists that the defections do not reflect the true strength of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, which it says remains deeply rooted among the electorate.

While the APC has welcomed the new entrants, political analysts note that defections do not automatically translate into voter support, particularly in Kano, where Kwankwaso continues to command significant grassroots influence.

The NNPP has also dismissed claims that Kwankwaso endorsed or approved the defections, reiterating that the moves are personal decisions and do not represent the position of the party or its national leader.

As political maneuvering intensifies, attention is now focused on how both parties will consolidate their positions in Kano as preparations for the next election cycle gather momentum.