The House of Representatives has approved a bill for a second reading aimed at preventing Nigerians over the age of 60 from running for the presidency or governorship positions.
Spearheaded by Imo lawmaker Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere, this bill is part of ongoing amendments to the 1999 Constitution, focusing on revising the eligibility criteria for major political offices.
The bill aims to amend Section 131 of the Constitution to set a 60-year age cap for presidential candidates and to modify Section 177 to impose the same restriction on those aspiring to governorship. Additionally, it stipulates that candidates must possess at least a bachelor’s degree. …CONTINUE READING
If enacted, this law would significantly impact potential presidential candidates for the 2027 elections, including President Bola Tinubu, who is 72, Atiku Abubakar at 78, Peter Obi at 63, and Mallam Nasir El-Rufai at 65—each of whom exceeds the proposed age limit.
Apart from the age limit bill, the House also considered several other legislative proposals. One of them is the Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education Bill, which was sponsored by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and Ugochinyere. This bill seeks to upgrade Alvan Ikoku College of Education in Imo State to a federal university.
Another bill proposes the creation of Ideato West Local Government Area to enhance administrative and developmental efforts in Imo State.
There is also a bill mandating the inclusion of youths and persons with disabilities in political appointments. Sponsored by Ugochinyere, it aims to ensure inclusiveness in governance by reserving positions for young people and persons with disabilities.
In addition, a bill was introduced to move trade and commerce to the concurrent legislative list, allowing both state and federal governments to regulate economic activities. Political satire merchandise
Lagos lawmaker Kafilat Ogbara also proposed a bill to reserve seats for women in the National and State Assemblies to increase female representation in politics.
