Utomi Sparks Debate, Says Nigerians Above 70 Should Not Contest Presidency or Governorship

Renowned political economist and public affairs analyst, Prof. Pat Utomi, has stirred public debate after stating that Nigerians above the age of 70 should not contest for the offices of president or governor.

Prof. Utomi made the assertion on Thursday while responding to questions during an interview on Politics Today. According to him, the complex demands of modern governance require leaders with the physical stamina, mental agility, and long-term vision needed to respond to rapidly changing global and national challenges.

He argued that while age brings wisdom and experience, there must be a balance between experience and the energy required to manage the pressures of executive leadership. Utomi emphasized that Nigeria must begin to deliberately prepare and empower a new generation of leaders capable of driving innovation, economic transformation, and institutional reforms.

The professor also noted that many countries are intentionally investing in younger leadership without disregarding the advisory roles older statesmen can play. He stressed that elders above 70 still have a critical place in national development as mentors, policy advisers, and custodians of values, rather than as frontline executive office holders.

Utomi’s comments have since generated mixed reactions across the political space, with supporters describing the idea as a necessary step toward generational renewal, while critics argue that leadership competence should be determined by capacity and performance, not age alone.