Posted by Samuel on Fri 02nd Jan, 2026 - tori.ng
Prof Utomi made this statement on Thursday while responding to questions in an interview on ‘Politics Today’, a programme on Channels Television.
Political economist Prof. Pat Utomi has stated that anyone over the age of 70 should be disqualified from contesting for the presidency or a gubernatorial position.
Prof Utomi made this statement on Thursday while responding to questions in an interview on ‘Politics Today’, a programme on Channels Television.
He was speaking on running for public office in Nigeria.
“I’m insisting that I will converse to the Nigerian people that nobody over the age of 70 should run for an executive position, whether it be governor or president.
“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.
“Doing so is at the great expense to the Nigerian taxpayer, who is not getting the quality of services they should get from these public office holders,” he said.