‘I Was Unaware Of Peter Obi’s Move From ADC To NDC – Utomi

A former presidential candidate and political economist, Professor Pat Utomi, has said he was unaware of Peter Obi’s move from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

Naija News reports that Utomi disclosed this on Monday during an interview on Arise News.

He said he had earlier argued strongly that members should remain in the ADC and fight from within.

Utomi said he was not part of the planning that led to Obi’s movement to the NDC.

“I was out of the country when the move took place. I wasn’t aware of the plans to make the move. I had argued very stoutly that everybody should stay where they are, fight to prove a point that this can be won from this platform,” he said.

He, however, said he was aware of alleged political manoeuvres aimed at preventing a particular candidate from being on the ballot.

“But I was also quite aware of games that were being played, the games of the process, to really prevent a certain candidate from being on the ballot. A very undemocratic kind of game was being played, and they had to play quickly to escape being caught in the trap. And perhaps, with the benefit of hindsight, they were wise,” he added.

Utomi said recent developments in the ADC showed that Obi’s decision to leave may have been justified.

He referenced complaints from some party members following the ADC’s internal disputes.

“With the benefit of hindsight, given what we’ve seen that just happened in the ADC with Richmond and others complaining, you know, and it was almost like a foregone conclusion that it would go in a particular direction. So, it was a pretty smart move on his part,” he maintained.