LAGOS, NG — July 9, 2025 | IDNN Political Reform Desk
Prominent political economist and public intellectual Prof. Pat Utomi has delivered a blunt warning to the newly formed ADC-led opposition coalition, urging its leaders to abandon the obsession with electoral victory and instead commit to rebuilding Nigeria’s political culture from the ground up.
“If winning an election is the only reason for this coalition, then it’s not worth my time,” Utomi said during an interview on Arise News on Tuesday.
Utomi, a founding member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and a key driver of third-force movements in Nigeria, stressed that real change cannot come from simply assembling old political faces under a new umbrella.
“Some of the same people responsible for Nigeria’s collapse are now claiming to fix it. That only works if we commit to redemption and reform,” he said.
🔍 ADC Must Move Beyond Talk
Utomi acknowledged his involvement in the coalition but said it must evolve beyond “rhetoric and reunions” to show genuine care for Nigerians through:
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Institutional reform
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Strategic development planning
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Intergenerational leadership transition
“Politics must stop being about revenge or entitlement. We need a culture where thought precedes action.”
He emphasized the need for long-term investment in ideas and values, not just short-term calculations to defeat President Tinubu.
“You can’t just boo-boo-ba-ba your way to power. And if you do get there, you won’t know what to do with it.”
🧱 Platform for Redemption — Or Another Lost Cause?
According to Utomi, the ADC coalition still holds potential—but only if it becomes a platform for deep mentorship and institutional healing.
“Many of the coalition’s members have a lot to atone for. But if they’re truly ready to mentor younger, better-socialized leaders, this can be a turning point.”
He called on coalition stakeholders to apply humility, learn from the failures of the Fourth Republic, and create an enduring template for democratic transition.
Not About Pat Utomi — But the Soul of the Movement
In closing, Utomi rejected attempts to paint his remarks as personal dissent. Instead, he said he’s standing as a watchman for Nigeria’s soul, ensuring the coalition does not become another tool for elite self-preservation.
“This must not become another gathering of the usual suspects. If it does, history will judge us harshly.”
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