The political scientist argues that Nigeria could save public funds spent on overseas medical trips by electing younger leaders, while insisting that Peter Obi’s presidency would end excuses over missing government funds.

Foremost Nigerian political scientist, Professor Pat Utomi, has argued that Nigerians aged 70 and above should not occupy the office of the president, citing concerns about the demands of leadership and the financial burden of overseas medical trips involving public office holders.

Utomi made his position known in a post on X, where he maintained that the presidency requires more than intellectual ability, stressing that physical strength and the capacity to withstand the demands of the office should also be considered.

According to him, Nigeria could have saved significant public resources spent on medical trips to Europe if voters had rejected presidential candidates above the age of 70.

The political scientist argued that although some people believe a president only needs a sound mind to govern effectively, the physical demands of the nation's highest political office should not be overlooked.

"Men who are 70 and above have no business holding the most important seat in Nigeria, which is the presidency," Utomi wrote.

He added that Nigerians might not fully appreciate the amount of public resources that could be saved if the country had a president who did not need to travel repeatedly to Europe for medical reasons.

Utomi's comments have brought renewed attention to the debate over age, health, leadership and the demands of presidential office in Nigeria.

Utomi Predicts End to 'Snakes Swallowing Money' Scandals Under Obi

Beyond his comments on presidential age, Utomi also expressed confidence in the prospect of Peter Obi becoming Nigeria's next president, claiming that his administration would bring an end to corruption and questionable explanations surrounding missing public funds.

Obi, who is the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has continued to attract political attention as discussions surrounding the country's political future gather momentum.

Utomi specifically referred to past controversies involving allegations that government money disappeared under unusual circumstances, including the infamous claims that snakes swallowed money kept in public offices.

He argued that such explanations would no longer be tolerated under an Obi-led administration.

"When Peter Obi wins, funny stories about snakes swallowing billions of naira in public funds in government offices will become a thing of the past," he stated.

Utomi further claimed that anyone responsible for making such excuses would be held accountable, adding that even the person who told the story and the alleged snake would face consequences.

He concluded his message by urging Nigerians to make thoughtful decisions when choosing their leaders.

The comments reflect Utomi's public support for Obi and his call for greater accountability in the management of public resources.

However, his prediction that corruption would end under an Obi presidency remains his political opinion rather than an established outcome.