Political economist and former presidential candidate, Prof. Pat Utomi, has warned that Nigeria could face a civil war if those in power attempt to manipulate the outcome of the 2027 general election against the will of the people.
Utomi raised the concern in a post on his X account on Sunday, October 18, 2026, following an impromptu town hall meeting in Manchester, United Kingdom, where he attended a lunch event to which former Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, presidential candidate Peter Obi was invited.
According to Utomi, the gathering unexpectedly turned into an extended discussion about Nigeria’s political challenges, with participants expressing concern over what they perceived as the growing confidence of public officials in projecting the outcome of the 2027 elections as already determined.
“I am in the middle of an accidental town hall meeting in Manchester in the UK. I came to a Lunch to which Peter Obi was invited. I found food I looked forward to deferred for questions on the trouble with Nigeria,” he wrote.
He said many of the questions centred on fears that the 2027 election could be manipulated, adding that participants were eager to explore ways to prevent electoral malpractice and protect the integrity of the voting process.
“Many of the questions suggest worry about the boldness of public officials in projecting rigging with results of elections of 2027 considered in the pocket,” Utomi stated.
The professor said the determination expressed by those at the meeting to resist electoral fraud suggested that any attempt to subvert the popular will could trigger a severe national crisis.
“The determination to do whatever will prevent election malpractice suggest we may see a civil war if power tries to muscle the will of the people this time,” he warned.
Utomi’s comments come amid growing political attention on the 2027 general election, with his warning highlighting concerns about electoral credibility, public confidence in the democratic process and the potential consequences of attempts to manipulate the outcome.
