JUST IN: Utomi warns against rising political violence ahead of 2027 elections

News, Politics

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Professor Pat Utomi, a professor of political economy, management expert, entrepreneur and public intellectual, has expressed concern over reported incidents of political violence across Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Utomi drew the attention of political actors to the dire consequences of political violence and what he described as attempts to suppress opposing voices.

He also drew parallels with the political crisis that preceded the end of Nigeria’s First Republic, urging politicians to reflect on the consequences of violence and intolerance in the country’s political history.

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“Is this how democracy ends in Nigeria?” Utomi asked.

He recalled the violence associated with Operation Wetie in Western Nigeria during the First Republic, saying few of those who planned the violence anticipated that it would contribute to the collapse of the republic.

Utomi also referred to the aftermath of the 2020 #EndSARS protests, saying that in 2023, the consulate of a global power whose head had witnessed the violence first-hand ordered psychotherapy support for its Nigerian staff.

He said recent incidents involving opposition politicians and political groups should raise concerns about the future of democracy in Nigeria.

“Now Peter Obi has been prevented from entering Benue State by force, attacked in Edo State and violence has come to the fore in Delta State,” he said.

“These states were comprehensively dominated by Peter Obi in 2023. Is democracy now about muffling the voice of the people?”

Obi’s convoy was blocked by a group of youths in Benue State on September 8 while he was travelling to Yelwata to visit families affected by the 2025 attacks. Obi described those involved as thugs, while the Benue State Government denied involvement and said it was unaware of the visit. The police confirmed the obstruction and said investigations were ongoing.

Utomi questioned why politicians who, in his view, lack broad public support would seek to govern people who hold different political preferences.

“Why do unpopular politicians insist on governing those who want differently? Why do we get surprised when the outcome is the road to Sudan or Somalia?” he asked.

He further expressed concern about what he described as the inability of some African political elites to consider the long-term consequences of their actions.

“Psychiatrists have a lot of work to do on politicians in Africa and on the fickleness of elite who cannot gauge their own long-term best self-interest. The world continues to mock us,” he said.

His comments come amid other reported incidents involving political groups ahead of the 2027 elections.

In Enugu State, police recently ordered investigations into separate incidents involving the reported disruption of meetings of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Nkanu West Local Government Area. Police said gunfire during an NDC meeting reportedly left two people injured, while another political gathering was disrupted.

Following the developments was Thursday’s killing of APC chieftain Prince Ikechukwu Oloto in Nsukka Local Government Area, which the Enugu State Police Command said was under investigation.

The circumstances and motives behind the various incidents remain subject to investigation, and no link between them has been established.

Utomi’s warning comes as political parties and their candidates intensify preparations and mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.