Professor of Political Economy, Pat Utomi, has warned that attempts to manipulate the 2027 general elections could trigger a civil war in Nigeria, citing growing public concern over electoral malpractice.

Utomi raised the alarm in a post on X on Sunday, recounting discussions during an informal town hall meeting in Manchester, United Kingdom, where he attended a lunch to which Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, was invited.

According to Utomi, the gathering turned into a discussion about Nigeria’s political challenges, with participants expressing concern over what they perceived as the confidence of some public officials in their ability to manipulate the outcome of the 2027 elections.

He said several questions focused on concerns that some politicians appeared to believe the election results were already assured, while participants also sought ways to prevent electoral malpractice.

Utomi said the determination expressed by those at the gathering to resist electoral manipulation raised concerns about the potential consequences of any attempt to undermine the will of voters.

“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,” he said.

Utomi has publicly supported Obi’s ambition to become president in 2027 but has maintained that his support would end if the former Anambra State governor accepts a vice-presidential position instead of contesting for the presidency.

In an earlier post on X, Utomi said his backing was specifically for Obi’s presidential ambition, adding that he would withdraw his support if Obi agreed to become another candidate’s running mate.

Obi contested the 2023 presidential election on the platform of the Labour Party.

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 challenges facing Nigerians. (AriseNews TV., but headline rejigged)