Professor of political economy Pat Utomi has warned that attempts to manipulate the outcome of the 2027 general election could trigger a civil war in Nigeria.
Utomi gave the warning in a post on X on Sunday following discussions about Nigeria’s political situation during an informal town hall meeting in Manchester, United Kingdom.
He said the gathering, which took place during a lunch attended by supporters of former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, turned into a discussion about the country’s electoral process and political future.
According to Utomi, participants expressed concern over what they perceived as the confidence of some public officials in their ability to manipulate the 2027 election results.
He said many of the questions focused on how Nigerians could prevent electoral malpractice and ensure that votes counted.
“The determination to do whatever will prevent election malpractice suggests we may see a civil war if power tries to muscle the will of the people this time,” Utomi wrote.
The professor said participants were eager to explore ways of resisting attempts to undermine the electoral process.
Utomi has publicly backed Obi’s ambition to contest the 2027 presidential election, insisting that his support is specifically for the former Anambra State governor to become president.
He had previously stated that he would withdraw his support if Obi agreed to become another candidate’s running mate.
The warning comes amid growing political discussions ahead of the 2027 general election and concerns about the credibility of the electoral process.
Utomi has also criticised the administration of President Bola Tinubu over the rising cost of living, arguing that high petrol prices and low wages have worsened the economic difficulties faced by Nigerians.
