In a move that could drastically alter Nigeria’s political landscape, the House of Representatives on Thursday passed for a second reading a bill seeking to cap the age of presidential and gubernatorial candidates at 60 years.
The bill, sponsored by Rep. Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere, aims to amend the 1999 Constitution to prevent individuals above 60 from contesting for the presidency or governorship. Additionally, it mandates that candidates must possess at least a Bachelor’s degree.
If enacted, the bill would amend Section 131 of the Constitution to introduce the new age requirement for presidential candidates and Section 177 to extend the same to gubernatorial hopefuls.
This proposed legislation has already sparked debates, given its potential to sideline some of Nigeria’s prominent political figures. For instance, former Vice President and perennial presidential contender Atiku Abubakar, who is 78, would be ineligible. Labour Party’s Peter Obi, who is 68, would also be affected, as would President Bola Tinubu, whose age remains a topic of controversy but is officially put at 72.
Proponents of the bill argue that it is a step towards promoting youth inclusion in leadership, injecting fresh ideas, and breaking the cycle of leadership recycling. Critics, however, see it as a strategic move to edge out experienced politicians and tilt the electoral playing field in favor of younger candidates.
The bill’s passage into law, however, remains uncertain, as it must first navigate further legislative scrutiny before reaching the President’s desk for assent. If signed into law, it would mark one of the most significant electoral reforms in Nigeria’s recent history, potentially reshaping the country’s political trajectory for generations to come.
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