Prominent political economist Professor Pat Utomi has called for a generational shift in Nigeria’s political leadership, arguing that older politicians should make way for younger leaders.
The 69-year-old academic made these remarks during an appearance on News Central Television on Wednesday while discussing political coalitions, particularly the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Utomi proposed specific age benchmarks for political offices, suggesting that cabinet ministers should ideally be in their 40s and 50s, while presidential and vice-presidential candidates could be in their 60s.
He humorously revealed that he had instructed his children to “arrest” him if, at 75, he was still attending political meetings rather than serving as an elder statesman.
“I now consider myself too old to be a cabinet minister,” Utomi stated, emphasising that while older politicians may remain capable, their continued dominance unfairly blocks younger generations from leadership opportunities.
The professor stressed that individuals over 75 should transition into advisory roles as “fathers of the nation” rather than seeking elective positions.
“They should find young people to advise and show the way,” he added, advocating for a system where experienced elders mentor emerging leaders instead of competing with them for power.
Utomi’s comments come amid growing debates about leadership renewal in Nigeria, where many key political figures remain in their 70s and 80s.
His proposal challenges the status quo by framing generational transition not just as desirable, but as a matter of intergenerational fairness and national progress. The remarks may spark further discussion about age and leadership in Nigeria’s political landscape.
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cc: Daily Post Ng
