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Political economist and former presidential candidate, Prof. Pat Utomi, has renewed his call for generational change in Nigeria’s leadership, arguing that advanced age has become a major factor behind the country’s governance challenges.

Speaking on the state of the nation’s leadership, Utomi alleged that Nigeria had repeatedly witnessed situations where unelected individuals effectively governed in the name of ailing presidents.

“When Yar’Adua was dying, people lied and governed in his name. They did the same with Buhari. They are doing so again. This is high treason,” he said.

Utomi maintained that no Nigerian above the age of 70 should seek elective office, stressing that age contributes significantly to poor decision-making in government.

“This is why I say nobody over 70 should run for office. I am 70,” he stated.

While acknowledging that some people argue age is not the problem, the professor insisted it accounts for “90 per cent of the problems.”

“Don’t give me Trump as an example because even with his agility, you could still see the effect of old age in him and some of his decisions lately,” he added.

Utomi further described the Presidential Villa, Aso Rock, as having evolved into “a retirement home for old and fading politicians” since 2015.

He also took a swipe at former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, saying the former presidential candidate should have retired from active politics after the 2019 presidential election.

According to him, old age is a blessing that should be enjoyed away from the burdens of public office.

“Old age is a blessing and should be enjoyed outside Aso Rock. Aso Rock should be for active brains and working people,” he said.

Utomi’s comments come amid renewed public debate over the age and health of Nigeria’s political elite, with advocates of constitutional and electoral reforms calling for greater youth participation in governance.

Supporters of younger leadership often point to the ages of former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and Goodluck Jonathan when they assumed office, 62, 56 and 53 respectively, as examples of relatively younger leadership compared to many of today’s leading political figures.