A prominent political figure, Franklyn Maduabuchi, also known as Cardinal Comrade Edede, has raised concerns over the recent involvement of Pat Utomi with the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
He alleged that the renowned political economist is secretly working for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Edede, who described himself as a Capacity National Leader, made the allegations during a telephone interview with The Authority on Tuesday, warning opposition figures to be cautious of Utomi’s role within the ADC.
According to Edede, Utomi did not genuinely support Peter Obi during the 2023 presidential election, but instead acted as an agent working to undermine Obi’s chances from within.
He claimed that while Utomi publicly appeared to back Peter Obi, his actions allegedly favoured Tinubu’s eventual victory.
Edede further questioned the source of Utomi’s funding linked to TETFUND activities in 2023, suggesting that it raised doubts about his true political allegiance.
The politician alleged that Utomi played a key role in the political rift between Obi and Atiku Abubakar, a division he said weakened the opposition and paved the way for Tinubu’s emergence as president.
He argued that the inability of Obi and Atiku to form a united front in 2023 ultimately benefited the ruling party.
Edede also accused Utomi of pushing a new agenda ahead of the 2027 elections by allegedly advising Obi to contest independently, a move he said would only favour Tinubu’s re-election bid.
According to him, “anyone encouraging Obi to run outside the Atiku-led ADC is indirectly working for the continuation of Tinubu in office.”
The ADC chieftain praised Atiku as a seasoned politician and former vice president, insisting it would be inappropriate for him to serve as a running mate to any candidate.
He maintained that the only realistic pathway to unseat Tinubu in 2027 is for Atiku and Obi to unite on the ADC platform, with Atiku as presidential candidate and Obi as his running mate.
“The North and South-East regions would massively support an Atiku–Obi ticket, and that combination would be very difficult to defeat,” Edede said.
He concluded by urging opposition leaders to prioritise unity over personal ambition, warning that division would only strengthen the ruling APC ahead of the next general election.