Utomi declared out of the political space, urged democratic renewal through the involvement of citizens

Professor of Political Economy and Public Affairs Analyst, Pat Utomi, firmly stated that he would no longer look for a political office in Nigeria, he also would not accept promises or contracts from any government agency, reaffirizing his commitment to fight for democratic reforms and governance that focused on young people.

Utomi made this known during the interview about Today’s politics, aired Friday on Channels Television. He stressed that his public service was never about personal benefits but about building a better future for the next generation.

“Let me state clearly: I will not run for public office. I will not accept promises or contracts by any government in Nigeria,” Utomi said firmly. “My only concern is the welfare of the next generation.”

Utomi, who has become a consistent voice in Nigerian political landscape, expressed frustration with what he described as a cynical satire about his motives. “I have lived my life politely, without government money or stealing anyone. I want to take it from people who speak nonsense, like, ‘Oh, he is looking for a contract,'” he said.

Reflecting on the current state of Nigeria democracy, Utomi criticized the prevailing political culture, which he said prioritized personal ambitions rather than national services. “The point is that our democracy has no meaning anymore. The purpose of serving the people is lost. This is about the benefits or power of individuals.”

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Utomi also discussed the concept of shadow government, maintaining it as a legitimate and democratic mechanism to ask for the responsibility of elected leaders. “Nothing can be more democratic than a group of citizens who come together to find a structured way to ask the government to be more responsible,” he said.

He encouraged the Nigerians to be involved with the Afrobarometer, Pan-African research initiatives who had traced public sentiment throughout the continent since 1999. Utomi noted that the data reflects a deep disappointment with governance, even though the trust in democratic ideals remains strong.

“This shows that Africans still love democracy, they hold fast to that, but they are tired because their democracy is unsuccessful. Serious democrats must read this data,” he asked. “Trying to make democracy work again must be a common goal.”

Utomi expressed hopes that all political interest stakeholders, including the ruling All Progressives (APC), would embrace initiatives aimed at democratic renewal, especially given the ideals of party founders.

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