On Thursday, March 27, the Nigerian House of Representatives passed a bill for a second reading that seeks to prohibit individuals over 60 years old from running for the offices of President and Governor. Sponsored by Rep. Ike Ugochinyere, the bill proposes amendments to the 1999 Constitution to update the eligibility criteria for these high political positions.
If passed into law, politicians such as Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, and President Bola Tinubu would no longer be eligible to run for president.
The bill mandates that presidential and gubernatorial candidates must be no older than 60 years at the time of their candidacy and must hold at least a Bachelor’s degree.
The bill specifically amends Section 131 of the Constitution to set an age limit for presidential candidates and Section 177 for gubernatorial candidates.
In addition to the age limit bill, the House also passed several other important bills for second reading, including:
• The Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education Bill, which aims to upgrade Alvan Ikoku College of Education in Imo State to a federal university.
• The Bill for the Creation of Ideato West Local Government Area, which proposes the establishment of a new local government area in Imo State.
• The Bill for Mandatory Inclusion of Youths and Persons with Disabilities in Political Appointments, aimed at promoting inclusivity in governance.
• The Bill to Move Trade and Commerce to the Concurrent Legislative List, which seeks to allow both federal and state governments to regulate trade and commerce.
• The Reserved Seats for Women in National and State Assemblies Bill, designed to increase female representation in legislative bodies.
