Nigerian economist Prof. Pat Utomi has alleged that individuals governed in the name of former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua during his final days in office and claimed a similar situation is unfolding under the current administration.
Utomi made the remarks in a post on his official X account on July 5, 2026, following allegations by Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi that Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila demanded ₦27.4 billion and received ₦400 million through proxies to facilitate his appointment as Director-General of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC).
In his post, Utomi criticized the current administration and argued that Nigerians above the age of 70 should not be allowed to contest for public office. He said events that occurred during the administrations of Yar’Adua and former President Muhammadu Buhari were being repeated under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Utomi wrote: “Impunity and disregard of decent order has 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. This is why I say nobody over 70 should run for office. I am 70.”
