Political economist and public affairs commentator, Professor Pat Utomi, has argued that Nigerians aged 70 and above should not occupy the office of the president, saying the country needs younger leaders capable of handling the demands of the position.
Utomi stated that electing older presidential candidates could increase public expenditure on medical trips abroad, particularly when health concerns require them to travel overseas for treatment.
He expressed the position in a post on X, arguing that Nigeria could save significant resources if voters considered the age and physical capacity of presidential candidates before casting their ballots.
“Men who are 70 and above have no business holding the most important seat in Nigeria, which is the presidency.
“They will try to convince you that all you need is a good brain, not physical strength.
“But you may never understand how much of our resources could be saved if we had a president who didn’t have to fly back and forth to Europe for medical reasons,” he wrote.
Utomi also expressed confidence in the presidential ambition of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate, Peter Obi, predicting that his emergence as president would bring an end to corruption and the mismanagement of public funds.
He specifically referred to past controversies surrounding allegations that billions of naira in government funds had disappeared through unusual explanations, including claims that snakes swallowed public money.
According to Utomi, such incidents would no longer be tolerated under an Obi-led administration, as those responsible for public financial misconduct would be held accountable.
“When Peter Obi wins, funny stories about snakes swallowing billions of naira in public funds in government offices will become a thing of the past.
“He will ensure that both the person telling such a lie and the snake will be held accountable. Vote wisely, my people,” he added.
Utomi’s comments come as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, with political parties and their supporters promoting their preferred candidates and criticising the records of potential opponents.
His remarks have also brought renewed attention to debates about age, health, leadership capacity and accountability in Nigeria’s presidential politics.
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