Utomi: 70-year-olds shouldn't be president, backs Obi to end corruption
Political scientist Pat Utomi argues Nigerians aged 70 and above should not contest the presidency, citing billions wasted on medical tourism for ailing leaders. Posting on X today, Utomi said: "Men who are 70 and above have no business holding the most important seat in Nigeria which is the presidency." He challenged the argument that only mental capacity matters, noting resources saved if a president doesn't require frequent European medical trips.
Utomi, a prominent NDC supporter, also backed Peter Obi's presidential bid, claiming his victory would end the era of "snakes swallowing billions" in government offices—a reference to the 2018 JAMB audit controversy where a clerk claimed a snake swallowed ₦36 million. Utomi said both the liar and the snake would face accountability under an Obi administration.
The intervention adds to growing debate about age and fitness for office ahead of the 2027 election cycle, where President Tinubu (currently 74) and Atiku Abubakar (77) are potential contenders. Utomi's stance reflects broader concerns about governance capacity and corruption narratives.
As 2027 approaches, will Nigerian voters prioritize candidates' health and age transparency, or will party loyalty and ethnic arithmetic dominate the calculus?