Professor Pat Utomi, a political economist and former presidential candidate, has warned that attempts to manipulate Nigeria’s 2027 general elections could trigger a civil war if those in power try to override the will of the people.
Utomi raised the alarm following an informal town hall meeting in Manchester, United Kingdom, where discussions about Nigeria’s political future and the credibility of the forthcoming elections reportedly dominated a gathering that was initially organised around a lunch attended by Peter Obi, a former Anambra State governor and presidential aspirant.
In a post on his X account on Sunday, October 18, Utomi said participants at the gathering expressed serious concern about what they perceived as the confidence of some public officials in their ability to determine the outcome of the 2027 elections before votes are cast.
According to him, the discussion quickly shifted from the planned lunch to questions about Nigeria’s political challenges, electoral integrity and how citizens could help protect the democratic process.
Utomi explained that many participants were troubled by what they considered signs that some political actors believed the results of the forthcoming elections were already assured.
He said the participants were eager to understand how they could contribute to preventing electoral malpractice and ensuring that the votes of Nigerians were respected.
The professor warned that any attempt to force an election outcome on the electorate could have grave consequences for national peace and stability.
He said the determination expressed by those at the Manchester gathering to resist electoral fraud raised the possibility of a major national crisis if those in power attempted to suppress the wishes of voters.
Utomi’s warning comes as political parties, civil society organisations and other stakeholders intensify discussions about preparations for the 2027 general elections.
Concerns about electoral credibility, the independence of election institutions, political competition and public confidence in the voting process have remained important issues in Nigeria’s political debate.
Earlier in March 2026, Utomi and other members of the Movement for Credible Elections raised concerns about alleged attempts to manipulate electoral laws ahead of the 2027 polls. The group called for greater transparency and stronger safeguards to protect the credibility of the elections.
Utomi has also criticised the handling of electoral matters by public institutions, arguing that the process must allow political parties to compete fairly and give voters confidence that their choices will determine the outcome.
His latest warning also comes against the backdrop of growing political activity surrounding Obi’s possible presidential bid in 2027.
Utomi has publicly supported Obi’s ambition to become president but has made it clear that his support is specifically for a presidential contest, not for Obi to become another candidate’s running mate.
The political economist previously stated that he would withdraw his support if Obi accepted a vice presidential position instead of contesting for the presidency.
Obi contested the 2023 presidential election under the Labour Party, attracting significant support, particularly among young voters and urban residents.
Utomi has also criticised President Bola Tinubu’s administration over economic hardship, pointing to rising petrol prices, low wages and the growing cost of living as major challenges facing Nigerians.
As preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum, Utomi’s latest comments place renewed focus on the need for transparent voting, credible results and respect for the choices made by citizens.
His warning underscores the risks that electoral malpractice and a loss of public confidence could pose to Nigeria’s democracy, particularly if political disputes are allowed to deepen existing divisions.
The 2027 general elections are expected to be a major test of the country’s democratic institutions, with the conduct of the polls likely to influence public trust in government and the peaceful transfer of political power.
Utomi’s central message is that Nigeria’s leaders must not underestimate the determination of citizens to defend their votes, warning that any attempt to undermine the popular will could have consequences far beyond the election itself.
