Utomi, who made the revelation on Thursday, told journalists that the political party system in Nigeria has failed, noting that political parties are not democratic and not serving the purpose expected of them.
Prof. Pat Utomi has disclosed the two categories of Nigerians coming together to form a mega platform to attempt to displace the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) from the presidency in 2027.
Utomi, who made the revelation on Thursday, told journalists that the political party system in Nigeria has failed, noting that political parties are not democratic and not serving the purpose expected of them.
According to him, the nature and the structure of Nigeria’s politics will make it difficult for good people to maintain their integrity in government.
He said that the redemption of Nigeria could not be achieved through the ruling APC or any of the existing opposition parties.
Listing the groups, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) quoted Utomi as saying, “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.”
Saying that a new order is needed, Utomi said the parochial culture has consumed civic culture in the country and affected the mindset of politicians.
According to him, a new political order must be birthed to get Nigeria out of the woods. Also, citizens and leaders must begin to do the right things to reposition the country.
Utomi said, “Nigeria must be saved by its citizens and this is precisely what I am advancing.
“We are talking about value-driven citizenship with integrity, work ethics, respect for the dignity of people, and regard for labour.
“We are created for others; we are not created for ourselves. A tree does not take benefit from the shades it creates.
“We want Nigerians to develop that mindset. Right now, the mindset that Nigerians have is me, myself, and I.
“Self-love is so consuming and that is why Nigerian politicians don’t act in the interest of the people or the state. They act so narrowly in their self-interests.”
He said that in continuation of work to float the mega party, he would hold meetings in Lagos this week, and in Abuja next week before a news conference.
Utomi revealed that the groups that would come together to form the mega platform were two cohorts of politicians- the ‘mea culpa’ and ‘new value’ cohorts.
He said, “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.”
According to the political economist, some elder statesmen would also be brought into the fold.