The House of Representatives on Thursday passed for second reading a landmark bill that seeks to introduce an age limit for presidential and gubernatorial candidates in Nigeria. If enacted, the bill would prevent individuals over the age of 60 from contesting for the positions of President and Governor, marking a significant shift in Nigeria’s electoral laws.
The bill, sponsored by Rep. Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere, proposes amendments to the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, specifically targeting Sections 131 and 177, which govern the eligibility criteria for presidential and gubernatorial candidates. The new legislation would restrict candidates for the presidency and governorship to those who are not older than 60 years at the time of the election.
The move to impose age limits on political candidates is seen as part of a broader effort to reform Nigeria’s political landscape by encouraging a younger, more dynamic leadership. The bill has already sparked debate across the country, with some in favor of the reforms and others voicing concerns about potential exclusions.
Rep. Ugochinyere’s bill seeks to amend Section 131 of the 1999 Constitution, which outlines the qualifications required to contest for the office of the President. The new proposal would impose an age cap, stipulating that no individual above the age of 60 would be eligible to contest the presidency. A similar amendment would be made to Section 177 of the Constitution, which applies to gubernatorial candidates, ensuring that no individual older than 60 years can run for governor.
In addition to the age restriction, the bill also includes provisions that would require presidential and gubernatorial candidates to possess at least a Bachelor’s degree in their chosen field of study, ensuring that candidates meet certain educational qualifications to lead the country or a state.
While the bill has garnered support from certain quarters, especially among younger Nigerians who feel underrepresented in political leadership, it has also faced criticism. Opponents argue that such a move may exclude experienced individuals who still have much to offer, while others point out that the current political system needs reforms beyond age limits, including addressing issues of corruption and political participation.
The bill seeking to bar older individuals from running for the presidency and governorship was not the only notable piece of legislation that made progress in the House of Representatives. Several other important bills also passed for second reading on Thursday, signaling the legislative body’s intent to push forward a series of reforms aimed at improving governance and promoting inclusivity.
One such bill is the Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education Bill, sponsored by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and Rep. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere. This bill seeks to upgrade the Alvan Ikoku College of Education in Imo State into a federal university, which would open new opportunities for higher education in the region.
Another bill passed for second reading was the Creation of Ideato West Local Government Area Bill, which proposes the creation of a new Local Government Area (LGA) in Imo State. Proponents of the bill argue that this move would help improve local governance, administrative efficiency, and the overall development of the area.
In a bid to promote inclusivity in governance, the Bill for Mandatory Inclusion of Youths and Persons with Disabilities in Political Appointments was also passed. Sponsored by Rep. Ugochinyere, the bill aims to ensure that young people and persons with disabilities are given reserved positions in political appointments, thereby ensuring a more diverse and representative leadership structure.
The Bill to Move Trade and Commerce to the Concurrent Legislative List was another key piece of legislation that passed for second reading. Also sponsored by Rep. Ugochinyere, the bill seeks to empower both the federal and state governments to regulate trade and commerce, allowing for greater flexibility in economic governance and the boosting of economic activity nationwide.
Additionally, the House passed the Reserved Seats for Women in National and State Assemblies Bill, which was sponsored by Rep. Kafilat Ogbara. This bill aims to address gender disparities in Nigeria’s political representation by reserving seats for women in national and state assemblies, ensuring a more balanced and inclusive legislative process.
Other bills discussed during the session included Judicial Reform Bills aimed at improving the efficiency of Nigeria’s legal system. The *Timelines for Justice Administration Bill, sponsored by Rep. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, seeks to expedite judicial processes and reduce delays in legal proceedings. Another judicial bill, the *Increase in Supreme Court & Court of Appeal Justices Bill, proposed by Rep. Bello Kaoje, advocates for an increase in the number of justices in these courts to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the judiciary.
The creation of new states was also a hot topic during the session. Bills for the **Creation of Wan State in the North-Central region and Gobir State in the Northwest region passed for second reading. These proposals aim to address concerns about administrative efficiency, local governance, and the equitable distribution of resources in these regions.
The bill to introduce an age limit for presidential and gubernatorial candidates comes at a time when Nigeria’s political landscape is being increasingly shaped by calls for younger, more energetic leadership. The current age of many of Nigeria’s political leaders has led to widespread calls for a change in the leadership model, with younger citizens pushing for a greater say in the country’s governance.
Supporters of the bill argue that the Nigerian political system has long been dominated by older, often out-of-touch leaders, and that it is time for younger people to take the reins. The bill is seen as an attempt to address this imbalance and create a leadership that is more representative of Nigeria’s young population, who make up a significant portion of the electorate.
Opponents of the bill, however, argue that experience and wisdom, which often come with age, are necessary in leadership positions. They point out that age should not be a barrier to contesting for office, and that the focus should be on candidates’ abilities and vision for the country, rather than their age.
The passing of the bill for second reading has sparked a broad range of reactions from Nigerians. Some have welcomed the bill, seeing it as a step toward creating a more youthful and progressive political system, while others have expressed concerns about its potential impact on experienced leaders.
As the bill progresses through the legislative process, it is expected to face further scrutiny and debate. Lawmakers will need to weigh the potential benefits of limiting the age of presidential and gubernatorial candidates against the possible drawbacks, such as the exclusion of experienced and capable leaders.
If passed into law, the bill would represent a significant change in Nigeria’s political system and could have far-reaching effects on future elections. It would also send a strong message about the need for reforms that reflect the aspirations of Nigeria’s younger generations.
As the legislative process moves forward, Nigerians will be watching closely to see how the bill evolves and whether it will ultimately shape the future of the country’s leadership.
