ADC Crisis: ‘Pat Utomi Secretly Working For Tinubu Responsible for Atiku–Obi Split in 2023’

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A notable political actor, Franklyn Maduabuchi, popularly known as Cardinal Comrade Edede, has expressed strong concerns regarding Pat Utomi’s renewed involvement with the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

He alleged that the respected political economist is covertly aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Speaking during a phone interview with The Authority on Tuesday, Edede – who described himself as a Capacity National Leader – cautioned opposition stakeholders to be wary of Utomi’s activities within the ADC.

He claimed that Utomi did not genuinely support Peter Obi during the 2023 presidential race, accusing him of working behind the scenes to weaken Obi’s candidacy.

According to Edede, although Utomi publicly projected support for Obi, his behind-the-scenes actions allegedly contributed to Tinubu’s eventual victory.

He also questioned the source of funds Utomi reportedly accessed through TETFUND activities in 2023, suggesting that this raised questions about his political loyalty.

Edede further alleged that Utomi played a significant role in the fallout between Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar, a division he argued seriously weakened the opposition and cleared the path for Tinubu to clinch the presidency.

He insisted that the failure of Obi and Atiku to unite in 2023 was a strategic advantage for the ruling party.

Edede also accused Utomi of promoting a new 2027 electoral strategy by advising Obi to run independently, insisting that such a move would only bolster Tinubu’s re-election chances.

He said, “Anyone pushing Obi to contest outside the Atiku-led ADC structure is indirectly working for Tinubu to remain in power.”

The ADC chieftain went on to praise Atiku as a highly experienced politician and former vice president, arguing that it would be inappropriate for him to serve as a running mate to any candidate.

He asserted that the only viable formula to defeat Tinubu in 2027 is for Atiku and Obi to join forces under the ADC, with Atiku as presidential candidate and Obi as his deputy.

Edede added, “The North and the South-East would overwhelmingly support an Atiku–Obi ticket, and that combination would be extremely difficult to beat.”

He concluded by urging opposition leaders to put unity above personal ambition, warning that any further division would only strengthen the ruling APC ahead of the next general elections.