Photo Credit: Punch

Professor of political economy, Pat Utomi, candidly revealed his battle with cancer in a series of tweets on Friday. The disclosure comes after his diagnosis in 2022 following a biopsy procedure, commonly used to detect cancer.

Utomi, though not specifying the type of cancer he’s dealing with, spoke about his experiences and struggles. He mentioned that leading up to the 2023 elections, he frequently visited a cancer center in Ikeja after campaign activities. He noted that discussing his battle with cancer led him to realize that many others in his age group are similarly affected.

Breaking the silence around the disease, Utomi emphasized that it’s essential to openly discuss cancer, especially among Nigerian men over 60, as early detection is vital. Following the elections, his relatives, who are doctors in Europe and the US, along with professionals from Lakeshore, took charge of his care, leading him to step back from public platforms to reduce stress.

Pat Utomi, a key figure in the Labour Party (LP) and a driving force behind the party’s 2023 presidential campaigns, had previously stepped down from his presidential aspirations in 2022 in favor of Peter Obi, the eventual LP presidential candidate.

Utomi’s longstanding public presence dates back to the late ’70s when he served as a special assistant to then President Shehu Shagari.

Source: The Cable