Renowned political economist, Professor Pat Utomi, has revealed the groups that will constitute the mega political party aimed at unseating the ruling All Progressives Congress in 2027.
Speaking to journalists on Thursday, Utomi emphasized that neither the ruling APC nor the existing opposition parties could lead Nigeria to redemption, as they had failed to add value to nation-building.
Utomi, who returned to Nigeria on Wednesday after an extended stay in the United States, highlighted the urgent need for a new political order, stating that the current political parties and politicians were incapable of saving the country.
He stressed the need for a value-driven citizenship, advocating for integrity, work ethics, respect for human dignity, and regard for labor.
According to Utomi, the planned mega party aims to disrupt the current political order and provide the impactful leadership that Nigeria desperately needs.
He said, “It is precisely the reason I arrived in Nigeria yesterday (Wednesday) to continue that work (formation of mega party).
“I believe that the political party system in Nigeria has failed completely. Political parties are not democratic and they are not serving the purpose.
“Political parties and politicians of these parties cannot save Nigeria now. It is clear.
“The nature and the structure of our politics is such that even good people, when they enter these existing political parties, will play to their interests.”
Utomi outlined the two cohorts of politicians that would form the mega platform: the ‘mea culpa’ cohort, consisting of politicians who regret their past actions and are now willing to be part of the redemption initiative, and the ‘new value’ cohort, comprising individuals committed to a new Nigeria.
He also mentioned that some elder statesmen would be involved in the formation of the mega party.
“The mea culpa cohort are politicians who have seen that what they did while in power had not helped Nigeria and are remorseful. And they are now willing to become part of the redemption initiative.
“There are also new Nigeria new value cohorts. This cohort will be working together, and they will include people from all these other political parties,” he said.
Utomi revealed plans to hold meetings in Lagos and Abuja in the coming weeks, culminating in a news conference. He expressed his hope of achieving significant progress with the mega-party talks before returning to the U.S.
It is worth recalling that Utomi had previously disclosed in January 2024 that he had held discussions with leaders of some opposition parties about forming a new mega political party to challenge the ruling APC in 2027.
He mentioned having conversations with several presidential candidates from the 2023 general elections with the aim of bringing them and other opposition politicians together to form the new party.