23rd September, 2021
Professor Patrick Utomi has debunked rumors that he and some other people are forming a political party called Rescue Nigeria Project (RNP) to rival the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressive Congress (APC).
The political economist spoke on Thursday on the sidelines of a press conference announcing winners of the Year 2020 Zik Prize in Leadership Awards. The event was organized by the Public Policy Research & Analysis Centre (PPRAC).
Others mentioned working alongside Prof Utomi to float the new party are former Kwara Governor Ahmed Abdulfatai; former Minister of Education Prof. Tunde Adeniran; former Cross River Governor Donald Duke; Senator Lee Maeba; former National Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) Prof. Attahiru Jega among others.
Prof Utomi while speaking said the group is simply more interested getting competent leaders into office, irrespective of the political party platform.
“No, I don’t think it (Third Force) is going to be a political party. We need to gather some of these movements, moving towards a better society,” Utomi said.
Sen. Lee Maeba, who is also listed among those forming RNP disassociated himself from plans to float any party ahead of the 2023 general elections.