Presidential and gubernatorial candidates must not be older than 60 years at the time of contesting.
On Thursday, the House of Representatives passed a bill for the second reading that would prohibit anyone who are over the age of 60 from running for the offices of President and Governor in Nigeria.
Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere, an Imo politician, sponsored the bill titled, “A Bill for an Act to alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to review the requirements that qualify a person to be elected as President and Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Governors and Deputy Governor of a State of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and for Related Matters.”
President Bola Tinubu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and Mr. Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party for the year 2023, will all be unable to compete for the presidency in 2027 if this bill is passed through the legislative process and signed into law. This is due to the fact that all three of them are above the age of 60.
According to the bill: Presidential and gubernatorial candidates must not be older than 60 years at the time of contesting.
Candidates must hold at least a Bachelor’s degree in their chosen field of study.
The bill specifically amends Section 131 of the constitution to introduce the age limit for the presidency and Section 177 to apply the same requirement to gubernatorial candidates.
In addition to the age limit bill, the House passed several other important bills for second reading, including: Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education Bill: Sponsored by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and Rep. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, this bill seeks to upgrade Alvan Ikoku College of Education in Imo State to a federal university.
Bill for the Creation of Ideato West Local Government Area: This bill proposes the creation of an additional LGA in Imo State to enhance administrative and developmental efforts.
Bill for Mandatory Inclusion of Youths and Persons with Disabilities in Political Appointments: Sponsored by Rep. Ugochinyere, this bill aims to ensure inclusivity in governance by reserving positions for young people and persons with disabilities.
Bill to Move Trade and Commerce to the Concurrent Legislative List: Also sponsored by Rep. Ugochinyere, this bill seeks to grant both federal and state governments the power to regulate trade and commerce, boosting economic activity nationwide.
Reserved Seats for Women in National and State Assemblies Bill: Sponsored by Rep. Kafilat Ogbara, this bill aims to increase female representation in legislative bodies.
Judicial Reform Bills: Timelines for Justice Administration Bill (Sponsored by Rep. Benjamin Okezie Kalu) – Seeks to expedite judicial processes.
Increase in Supreme Court & Court of Appeal Justices Bill (Sponsored by Rep. Bello Kaoje) – Proposes an increase in the number of justices to improve efficiency.
Creation of New States: Creation of Wan State (North Central) Bill, Creation of Gobir State (Northwest) Bill.
Through these legislative efforts, the House of Representatives intends to alter the structure of governance in Nigeria, encourage the inclusion of youth and gender, and improve the efficiency of the economy and the judicial system.