The Nigerian House of Representatives on Thursday, March 27, passed for second reading a bill seeking to bar individuals above 60 years from contesting for the offices of President and Governor.
Sponsored by Rep. Ike Ugochinyere, the bill proposes amendments to the 1999 Constitution to revise eligibility requirements for these key positions. If enacted into law, politicians like Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, and President Bola Tinubu would be ineligible to run for the presidency again.
The bill specifically seeks to amend Section 131 of the Constitution to introduce the 60-year age limit for presidential candidates and Section 177 to apply the same restriction to gubernatorial candidates. Additionally, it mandates that candidates must hold at least a Bachelor’s degree in their chosen field.
Other Bills Passed for Second Reading
Alongside the age limit bill, the House also advanced several key legislative proposals:
Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education Bill – Sponsored by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and Rep. Ugochinyere, this bill aims to upgrade Alvan Ikoku College of Education in Imo State to a federal university.
Bill for the Creation of Ideato West Local Government Area – Seeks to establish a new LGA in Imo State to enhance governance and development.
Bill for Mandatory Inclusion of Youths and Persons with Disabilities in Political Appointments – Sponsored by Rep. Ugochinyere, this legislation aims to promote inclusivity by reserving political positions for young people and persons with disabilities.
Bill to Move Trade and Commerce to the Concurrent Legislative List – This bill, also sponsored by Rep. Ugochinyere, seeks to grant both federal and state governments the power to regulate trade and commerce, stimulating economic growth.
Reserved Seats for Women in National and State Assemblies Bill – Sponsored by Rep. Kafilat Ogbara, this bill seeks to increase female representation in legislative bodies.
The bills will now proceed to further legislative scrutiny before potential passage into law.
