By Abiola Olawale
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, a renowned political economist, intellectual, and social activist, Prof Pat Utomi, has confirmed that there are ongoing plans to establish a ‘mega-party’ that will oust the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) from power in the forthcoming election.
The former presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in 2007 confirmed that the upcoming mega party is constituted of like-minded people and political groups who have a shared vision of giving Nigerians a credible alternative ahead of the 2027 general election.
Utomi, who arrived in the country after a long visit to the United States said the current parties in Nigeria have failed to address the problems of the citizens, adding that the mega party, when established will put the country on the path of redemption.
Addressing journalists, Utomi said the planned mega party is to disrupt the current political order and deliver that impactful leadership that the country truly deserves.
He stated: “It is precisely the reason I arrived in Nigeria yesterday to continue that work(formation of mega party)
“I believe that the political party system in Nigeria has failed. Political parties are not democratic and they are not serving the purpose.
“Political parties and politicians of these parties cannot save Nigeria now, it is clear.
“The nature and the structure of our politics is such that even good people when they enter these existing political parties, will play to their interests.”, Utomi, Founder of the Centre for Values in Leadership(CVL), said.
According to him, parochial culture has consumed civic culture in the country and this has affected the mindset of politicians.
He said a new political order must be birthed to get Nigeria out of the woods and that citizens and leaders must begin to do the right things to reposition the country.
He continued: “Its citizens must save Nigeria and this is precisely what I am advancing. We are talking about value-driven citizenship with integrity, work ethics, respect for the dignity of people, and regard for labor.
“We are created for others; we are not created for ourselves, we are created for the good of others. A tree does not benefit from the shades it creates. We want Nigerians to develop that mindset. Right now, Nigerians’ mindset is me, myself, and I.
“Self-love is so consuming, so Nigerian politicians don’t act in the interest of the people or the state. They act so narrowly in their self-interests,” he said.
Utomi further disclosed that there are upcoming meetings to be held in Lagos state and Abuja this week. He added that during the meetings, the plan for the mega party will be fleshed out and made concrete.
The political economist added he hoped to achieve much with the mega-party talks before going back to the U.S.
It would be recalled that Utomi in January 2024 revealed that he held conversations with leaders of some opposition parties on a plan to form a new mega-political party that would take power from the ruling APC in 2027.
He disclosed that he had held discussions with some of the presidential candidates in the 2023 general elections, including Atiku Abubakar of PDP, Peter Obi of LP, and Rabiu Kwankwaso of NNPP over the possibility of bringing them and other opposition politicians together to form a new party.
