Professor of Political Economy, Pat Utomi, has announced that he will no longer contest for any political office in Nigeria, nor will he accept government appointments or contracts.
Speaking on Politics Today on Channels Television on Friday, Utomi emphasized his focus is now solely on the future of the next generation.
“Let me be clear: I will not run for public office, and I will not accept any appointment or contract from any government in Nigeria. My only concern is the well-being of the next generation,” he said. “I’ve lived a decent life without taking government money or stealing from anyone. I want to silence those who say I’m just looking for a contract.”
Utomi also spoke on the concept of a shadow government, describing it as a democratic effort by citizens to hold the government accountable.
“There’s nothing more democratic than citizens organizing themselves to demand accountability from their government,” he stated.
He urged Nigerians to study the Afrobarometer — an annual survey on public opinion across African nations — for insights into how people feel about democracy.
“The Afrobarometer has been tracking public opinion since 1999. It reveals, in great detail, how Africans feel about democracy,” Utomi said. “It shows that while people still support democracy, they’re increasingly disillusioned because it’s not delivering results.”
He called on true democrats to use this data to push for a revival of democracy in Nigeria and across the continent.
“Any serious democrat must engage with this data. People are tired of a democracy that doesn’t work. We need to fix it,” he urged.
Utomi concluded by criticizing Nigeria’s political system, saying it has lost its original purpose.
“Our democracy has lost its meaning. It’s no longer about serving the people—it’s about personal power and gain,” he said.