According to a video posted on the official YouTube channel of Arise News on Monday, June 1, 2026, Scholar, Activist and former presidential candidate, Professor Pat Utomi, criticized the quality of leadership and experience often presented in Nigeria’s political space.
Speaking during an interview, Utomi argued that the country frequently rewards longevity in public life without adequately examining the value such experience has added to governance and national development. He maintained that many capable and talented Nigerians are denied opportunities because the political system continues to favor individuals who have occupied positions for years, regardless of their performance.
While discussing leadership and competence, Utomi delivered a striking assessment of how experience is often perceived in the country. According to him, “A Nigerian will say to you I have 30 years experience and you look at him he has one year’s experience repeated 30 times.”
The former presidential candidate explained that genuine experience should be measured by growth, innovation, and the ability to solve problems rather than by the number of years spent in office. He suggested that Nigeria’s progress has been slowed by a culture that allows the same political actors to dominate leadership positions while younger and more capable individuals struggle to emerge.
Utomi further stressed the need for reforms that encourage merit, competence, and fresh ideas. He argued that creating opportunities for talented citizens to participate in governance is essential for Nigeria’s political and economic advancement…..See More
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