Professor Pat Utomi has called for a national conversation on imposing an upper age limit for executive offices in Nigeria, saying no one older than 70 should contest the presidency or a governorship. Utomi made the remarks in an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, arguing that advanced age can impede the ability of officeholders to deliver the quality of public services Nigerians expect.
presidential age limit Nigeria
Utomi said that while some lawmakers might continue in the legislature into their mid-70s or beyond, the presidency and state governorships demand sustained, active leadership and should not be held by individuals who require frequent medical attention. “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,” he told the programme.
He framed the proposal as a matter of public interest and fiscal responsibility, suggesting that taxpayers suffer when executives are unable to fulfil the rigorous duties of office due to health issues. “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,” Utomi said.
The intervention arrives amid renewed public discussion about leadership, governance and succession planning. Nigeria’s constitution currently sets minimum age requirements for candidates but does not cap the maximum age for executive office. Any move to impose an upper age limit would therefore require outgoing legal and political processes, including a constitutional amendment that must secure approval in the National Assembly and assent from a majority of state assemblies.
Supporters of an age cap say it would modernise political leadership, encourage generational renewal and reduce the risk of incapacitation in critical offices. Critics caution that imposing a strict age ceiling risks discriminating against experienced politicians and could exclude capable leaders solely because of their age.
Utomi acknowledged that older lawmakers can offer valuable experience and suggested a different threshold for the legislature: “Yes, a few people can stay in the legislature till they are 75 possibly even close to 80,” he said. His distinction between executive and legislative roles underlines a broader argument about the differing demands of each branch of government.
Legal experts note that moving from debate to law would involve political consensus. Constitutional amendments in Nigeria require a two-thirds majority in both chambers of the National Assembly and the approval of two-thirds of state legislatures. Advocates of the change would therefore need to build cross-party and cross-regional support.
Observers say the proposal could become a flashpoint in upcoming political campaigns, influencing party nominations and voter conversations about leadership renewal. Civil society groups and youth organisations, already vocal on issues of governance and accountability, may seize upon the debate to press for broader reforms.
For now, Utomi’s call has reopened public discussion about the balance between experience and vitality in public office. Whether the conversation leads to legislative change will depend on political will, public pressure and the capacity of reformers to build the alliances required for constitutional amendment.
Key Takeaways:
- Professor Pat Utomi argues that nobody over 70 should run for president or governor in Nigeria, citing health and service concerns.
- He suggests older politicians may remain in the legislature but should not occupy executive offices that demand active daily leadership.
- The proposal renews debate over the presidential age limit Nigeria and would require a constitutional amendment to take effect.
