Political economist Professor Pat Utomi has called for the disqualification of individuals above the age of 70 from contesting for executive positions in Nigeria, including the offices of President and Governor.
Utomi made the call on Thursday while responding to questions during an interview on Politics Today, a programme aired on Channels Television, where he spoke on leadership and governance in the country.
According to him, Nigeria must begin to place clear limits on who can occupy executive offices, stressing that advanced age often affects the quality of leadership and governance.
“I’m insisting that I will continue to converse with the Nigerian people that nobody over the age of 70 should run for an executive position, whether it be governor or president,” Utomi said.
While acknowledging that older individuals may still serve in legislative roles, he argued that executive positions require greater physical and mental demands.
“Yes, a few people can stay in the legislature till they are 75, possibly even close to 80. But the Nigerian people must not continue to tolerate the presidency being where you keep people who need medical attention,” he added.
Utomi further noted that maintaining elderly public office holders places a heavy financial burden on the country without corresponding benefits.
“Doing so is at great expense to the Nigerian taxpayer, who is not getting the quality of services they should get from these public office holders,” he said.
The political economist’s comments have reignited public debate over age, capacity, and leadership effectiveness in Nigeria’s political system.