Renowned political economist, Professor Pat Utomi, has said he will no longer contest for political office in Nigeria or accept any government appointment or contract.
Utomi made this known on Friday, May 9, during an interview on *Politics Today*, a programme on Channels Television.
“Let me state clearly: I will not run for public office, I will not accept an appointment, contract by any government in Nigeria,” he said.
“My only concern is the well-being of the next generation. I have lived my life decently without government money or stealing anybody’s thing. I want to take that away from people who talk nonsense like, ‘Oh, he is looking for a contract’.”
Utomi, who has been active in public affairs for decades, explained that his focus now is on improving democracy and helping young people.
While speaking on the idea of a *shadow government*, he said it is a democratic way for citizens to ask for better governance.
“Nothing can be more democratic than a group of citizens coming together to find a structured way of asking the government to be more accountable. What could be more democratic than that?” he asked.
Utomi also urged Nigerians to pay attention to the **Afrobarometer**, an annual survey that collects opinions from people across Africa about democracy and governance.
“I want all Nigerians and who really want to understand what has happened to our country to go and study the Afrobarometer readings,” he said.
He explained that the data from the survey shows that many Africans still believe in democracy but are disappointed because it is not working well in their countries.
“It states that Africans still love democracy, cling to it but they are tired because their democracies are not working,” Utomi said.
He called for a revival of democracy, saying that any true democrat should support efforts to make it better.
“So, trying to make democracy a fine renewal or revival should be something that any true democrat should embrace,” he said.
Utomi also noted that Nigeria’s democracy has drifted from its real purpose.
“The point is that our democracy does not have meaning. The purpose of serving the people is lost. It’s about individual gain or power,” he added.
He expressed hope that even the ruling All Progressives Congress would support calls for better democratic practices, reminding them of the party’s original promises.
