By Jelili Gbadamosi
Pat Utomi, Professor of Political Economy, has questioned the persistent criticism of former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, by prominent political figures ahead of the 2027 general election.
Utomi wondered why Obi, who finished third in the 2023 presidential election, had continued to attract attacks from different quarters despite not emerging as the winner of the last election.
The professor raised the concern in a post on his verified X handle on Saturday.
He said the intensity of the criticism against Obi raised questions that Nigerians deserved answers to, adding that the events surrounding the 2023 presidential election might become clearer in the future.
Although Utomi did not mention specific individuals or political parties, his comments came amid renewed criticism of Obi by senior members of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
It was reported that Senator Adams Oshiomhole recently criticised Obi during the APC presidential campaign rallies in Ekiti and Akwa Ibom States.
Similarly, Vice President Kashim Shettima accused the former Anambra governor of undermining his presidential ambition with lies during an event in Akwa Ibom State on Friday.
President Bola Tinubu also took a swipe at Obi, comparing his handling of erosion challenges in Anambra State with his own efforts in confronting the Atlantic Ocean in Lagos.
The renewed exchanges have added to the political tension ahead of the 2027 general election.
