Renowned Political Economist and Professor, Pat Utomi, has declared that he would no longer contest for any political office in Nigeria.
Utomi, during his appearance on the Politics Today program on Channels Television, made it clear that his decision was final.
“Let me state clearly: I will not run for public office, I will not accept an appointment, contract by any government in Nigeria. My only concern is the well-being of the next generation,” he remarked.
The political economist further clarified his stance, asserting that his decision was driven by his desire to maintain personal integrity.
“I have lived my life decently without government money or stealing anybody’s thing. I want to take that away from people who talk nonsense like, ‘Oh, he is looking for a contract,’” Utomi added.
His remarks reflected his frustration with public misconceptions about his motives.
Utomi also discussed the concept of a “shadow government,” explaining that such an initiative could serve as a democratic tool for holding the government accountable.
“Nothing can be more democratic than a group of citizens coming together to find a structured way of asking the government to be more accountable. What could be more democratic than that?” he added.
As part of his call for greater political awareness, Utomi encouraged Nigerians to engage with the Afrobarometer, a comprehensive annual survey that collects data on public opinion across African countries.
He noted that the survey provided valuable insights into the state of democracy in Nigeria and Africa. “I usually pre-phase this conversation with what we’ve done to the African. There are Afrobarometer readings, an annual survey that has been going on since 1999, of how Nigerians, Africans generally, in every country, with all kinds of details,” he said.
According to Utomi, the survey data paints a concerning picture: while Africans still believe in democracy, they are increasingly disillusioned by its failure to deliver on its promises.
“It states that Africans still love democracy, cling to it but they are tired because their democracies are not working,” he noted.
He urged Nigerians and others interested in the future of the nation to closely examine the findings of the Afrobarometer, describing it as essential reading for anyone wanting to understand the state of democracy in Africa.
“Any serious democrat has to read this data, longitudinal data showing that people are fed up with what we call democracy,” he explained.
Reflecting on the state of Nigerian democracy, Utomi was blunt in his assessment.
“The point is that our democracy does not have meaning. The purpose of serving the people is lost. It’s about individual gain or power,” he concluded. His words resonate as a call for deeper reflection on the country’s political system and its future.
