2027: Group faults Pat Utomi’s civil war remark, backs Tinubu’s re-election bid

Three support groups have criticised Professor Pat Utomi over his warning that attempts to manipulate the 2027 general election could trigger a civil war, describing the statement as dangerous and capable of heightening political tension.

The groups, Friends of CG Musa, Arewa Concerned Citizens Forum and Citizens Support for Good Governance, also declared their support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid and commended the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), for expressing confidence in the President’s chances in 2027.

The groups made their position known in a statement featuring comments by the Convener of Friends of CG Musa, Hon. Victor Mathew Bobai; the National Secretary of Citizens Support for Good Governance, Hon. Hamis Danbaba Malumfashi; and Mohammed Hussain Moddibo of Arewa Concerned Citizens Forum. Blueprint reports

Their reaction followed Utomi’s warning that Nigeria could face a civil war if those in power attempted to override the will of voters in the next general election.

Utomi made the remarks after an informal gathering in Manchester, United Kingdom, where discussions reportedly centred on concerns about electoral integrity and what participants perceived as the confidence of some political actors that the outcome of the 2027 election was already determined.

The political economist said the determination expressed by participants to resist electoral malpractice could have grave consequences if the authorities attempted to undermine the popular will.

Groups accuse Utomi of heightening political tension

Speaking on behalf of the coalition, Bobai described Utomi’s warning as irresponsible and argued that political leaders and public figures should promote peace, unity and democratic participation rather than statements capable of creating fear.

He said the country had experienced considerable security challenges, including terrorism, banditry and communal violence, and could not afford rhetoric that might aggravate existing tensions.

“Prof. Pat Utomi’s civil war prediction is irresponsible, dangerous and totally unacceptable. This is not political criticism; this is scaremongering of the highest order,” Bobai said.

He also praised Musa’s leadership at the Defence Ministry, saying the minister’s emphasis on security and stability was important as political activities intensified ahead of the 2027 elections.

Bobai argued that political competition should be based on ideas, policy proposals and the ability of candidates to persuade voters, rather than predictions of violence.

He further alleged that opposition politicians were raising the prospect of conflict because they believed Tinubu would win the next election. However, the coalition did not present evidence to establish that claim, which remains its political interpretation of the opposition’s position.

“The truth is simple: The opposition knows that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will win in 2027,” Bobai said, adding that the groups would continue to mobilise support for peace and democratic stability.

Coalition calls for investigation

The groups also called on security agencies to examine Utomi’s remarks, arguing that public statements about possible civil conflict should be treated with caution, particularly in a politically sensitive period.

Moddibo urged the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services and Defence Intelligence to assess the circumstances surrounding the comments and determine whether there was any evidence of incitement warranting action under the law.

“We call on the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Defence Intelligence to investigate the intent, motive and possible networks behind this civil war threat,” he said.

He maintained that freedom of expression should not be used to encourage violence, while insisting that any investigation should be conducted in accordance with established legal procedures.

The coalition also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission, political parties, religious leaders and civil society organisations to discourage inflammatory political communication and promote peaceful participation in the electoral process.

It said Nigerians should reject violence and avoid allowing political disagreements to undermine national unity.

Malumfashi urges focus on peace and security

Malumfashi, who spoke for Citizens Support for Good Governance, said the country needed responsible political engagement and public confidence in its institutions as preparations for the 2027 election gathered momentum.

He said citizens should be encouraged to participate peacefully in the democratic process and that political differences should not be allowed to deepen divisions.

“What Nigeria has suffered in the hands of banditry, terrorism and communal clashes is enough,” the statement quoted Bobai as saying.

Malumfashi also commended the Defence Ministry’s focus on security, describing an improved security environment as essential to peaceful campaigns and credible elections.

The groups urged young Nigerians in particular to reject violence, avoid being used to advance political interests and support peaceful electoral competition.

Musa expresses confidence in Tinubu’s return

The coalition’s position followed comments by Musa expressing confidence that Tinubu would secure a second term in office in 2027.

According to the defence minister spoke in Abuja on Sunday, during the inauguration of national and subnational structures of the Directorate of Security and Intelligence of the APC Presidential Campaign Council.

“The return of Mr President is not an issue that we should even start worrying about, because God’s willing, he is coming back. The task before us now is to provide the enabling environment for it to happen,” Musa was quoted as saying.

The minister stressed the importance of providing a secure environment for political campaigns and the electoral process.

His comments have drawn attention because of the distinction between expressing confidence in a candidate’s political prospects and the constitutional responsibility of security agencies to protect all eligible voters and political actors, regardless of party affiliation.

Musa had also said that security agencies would remain neutral during the 2027 elections and that Tinubu had directed them to ensure a free, fair and credible process.

The groups said they aligned with the minister’s emphasis on security and peaceful political engagement, while reiterating their support for Tinubu’s re-election campaign.

Credible elections remain central to the debate

Utomi’s warning has placed electoral credibility and the conduct of political actors at the centre of renewed public discussion ahead of the 2027 polls.

His statement was framed around the possible consequences of attempts to manipulate election results, rather than a declaration that civil war was inevitable.

The coalition, however, argued that such warnings risk heightening public anxiety and should be expressed responsibly.

As political parties and interest groups begin positioning themselves ahead of the election, the debate highlights the competing demands of protecting freedom of expression, safeguarding electoral integrity and preventing political communication from escalating tensions.

While the three groups have declared support for Tinubu’s second-term ambition, the outcome of the 2027 election will ultimately be determined by voters through the constitutional electoral process.

The coalition concluded by urging Nigerians to prioritise peace and national unity, insisting that political ambitions should not come at the expense of the country’s stability.