What They Did To Yar’Adua, Buhari Is Happening Again – Pat Utomi
What They Did To Yar’Adua, Buhari Is Happening Again – Pat Utomi
Former presidential candidate and political economist, Pat Utomi, has expressed concern over what he described as a growing culture of impunity and disregard for constitutional order in Nigeria, arguing that the country has repeatedly witnessed leaders governing in the names of incapacitated presidents. Utomi made the remarks in a post shared on his official X
Former presidential candidate and political economist, Pat Utomi, has expressed concern over what he described as a growing culture of impunity and disregard for constitutional order in Nigeria, arguing that the country has repeatedly witnessed leaders governing in the names of incapacitated presidents.
Utomi made the remarks in a post shared on his official X account on Sunday, where he criticised what he called the manipulation of presidential authority during periods of ill health.
According to him, similar situations occurred during the administrations of late President Umar Musa Yar’Adua and former President Muhammadu Buhari, alleging that government officials continued to act in their names while withholding the true state of affairs from Nigerians.
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The former presidential candidate described the practice as a serious threat to constitutional governance, insisting that such actions amount to a betrayal of public trust.
“Impunity and disregard of decent order have become our way. 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,” Utomi stated.
Beyond his criticism of governance, Utomi renewed his call for constitutional reforms that would prevent individuals above the age of 70 from contesting for public office.
He argued that introducing an age ceiling for elective positions would strengthen leadership renewal and improve governance in the country.
Highlighting his personal commitment to the proposal, Utomi noted that he was not exempting himself from the recommendation.
“This is why I say nobody over 70 should run for office. I am 70 years old,” he said.
The comments add to ongoing national conversations about political accountability, leadership succession and constitutional reforms ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a related development, Utomi recently welcomed the decision of former presidential candidate Peter Obi to leave the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC).
Obi, who later secured the NDC presidential ticket, announced former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso as his running mate for the 2027 presidential election.
Speaking during an interview on ARISE Television, Utomi described Obi’s decision to leave the ADC as a strategic move, arguing that the outcome of the party’s presidential primary vindicated the decision.
He noted that complaints raised by some aspirants, including Chibuike Amaechi and Mohammed Hayatu-deen, over the conduct and outcome of the ADC primary suggested that Obi had avoided being caught in a contentious internal process.
Utomi maintained that the development demonstrated sound political judgment as opposition parties continue preparations for the next general election.
