In a recent statement via his official X account, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dele Momodu, has reacted to Professor Pat Utomi comments, expressing concern over what he described as unrealistic expectations about Nigeria’s political process and electoral behavior.
Momodu, a journalist and political actor, said his response was driven by deep respect for Utomi, whom he described as one of Nigeria’s brightest intellectuals.
He noted that despite his admiration, he strongly disagreed with the approach Utomi often promotes when discussing politics, development, and leadership in Nigeria.
”I believe he has infected my very dear Brother Peter Obi with his romanticisation of the Asian countries and obvious developmental successes. My candid view is that every nation must have it’s own organic strategies while it may study and borrow ideas, and ideals, from elsewhere. The Nigerian topography is an abnormal configuration. For example, Gani Fawehinmi, Utomi, Obi, Falana, Shehu Sani, Sowore and others should be able to win elections and become our own Barack Obama, but not here. Primordial sentiments rule the game. This is why the above statement credited to my Egbon, Pat, and his like minds, often break my heart. He seems not to have learnt from his own personal experience, and example, that big grammar don’t win elections,” he wrote.
According to Momodu, Utomi’s views have also influenced Peter Obi, especially in the way Asian countries are frequently presented as models Nigeria should simply copy.
He argued that while studying the successes of other nations is useful, every country must design strategies that fit its own realities.
He stressed that Nigeria’s political and social structure is very different from those of Asian countries that achieved rapid development.
Momodu explained that Nigeria’s political environment is shaped largely by sentiments tied to identity, region, and other deep-rooted factors.
He said these realities make it difficult for highly intellectual and principled figures to win elections, no matter how sound their ideas may be.
He listed respected figures such as Gani Fawehinmi, Pat Utomi, Peter Obi, Femi Falana, Shehu Sani, and Omoyele Sowore as examples of individuals who, in a more issue-driven society, would naturally rise to the highest offices.
He lamented that Nigeria is not yet a system where ideas, integrity, or eloquence alone can secure electoral victory.
According to him, elections in the country are rarely decided by policy depth or intellectual debates, but by factors that go beyond competence.
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