Nigeria Content Online

A presidential
aspirant on the platform of Social Democratic Mega Party (SDMP), Pat
Utomi has expressed strong commitment to the initiative of a group of
24 political leaders of thought who plan to present common candidates
at the next general elections.

He also said that
though he is currently the party’s chairman, his presidential
aspiration and the platform for its actualization is purely dependent
on the success of the new alliance of progressive politicians in the
country.

Addressing Mega
Summit Strategy Team in Lagos at the weekend, Mr Utomi said he will be
making a formal declaration of his intent to run for office of the
president immediately after the meeting of progressive leaders of
thought to be hosted by Anthony Enahoro in Benin, Edo State capital on
October 7th.

He added that his
desire to run for the presidency would be predicated on the plan by
some political groups to present a formidable front in the presidential
elections.

“My desire to run
for the office of the president is predicated on the momentum that will
be generated by leaders of conscience towards producing formidable
front,” Mr Utomi said. “I have a duty to my conscience and posterity
and shall seek to prosecute that obligation in the present circumstance
on the granite coalition of genuine patriots and parties committed to
redeeming Nigeria.” Too weak to matter The presidential aspirant said
though he has been under pressure from many quarters to contest the
elections, no single force can dislodge the PDP from power.

“Though I appear to be under serious pressure from many quarters to
run, as things stand today, no single patriotic force can by itself
neutralize the antics of the ruling cabal in the country. So, we are
committed to the Kenya model of patriotic alliance that can provide a
granite coalition and formidable front capable of ousting the power
mongers in Nigeria.” Mr Utomi also announced the recent reconciliation
between the leadership of his party, Social Democratic Mega Party and
Rasheed Shitta Bey led Mega Party Progressive Platform, adding that the
two groups are already “perfecting strategies with other progressive
platforms to face the 2011 elections as a block.” He, however, promised
a coalition government of national unity if the patriotic alliance wins
the forthcoming presidential election.