The Nigerian House of Representatives has advanced a bill to its second reading that seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution by imposing an upper age limit of 60 years for presidential and gubernatorial candidates.
Sponsored by Representative Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere, the proposed legislation aims to revise Sections 131 and 177 of the Constitution, which outline the qualifications for the offices of President and Governor, respectively. In addition to the age cap, the bill mandates that candidates possess a minimum of a bachelor’s degree.
This development has sparked significant debate, as it could potentially disqualify prominent political figures, including President Bola Tinubu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi—all of whom are over 60—from contesting in future elections.
The bill’s progression comes in the wake of the “Not Too Young To Run” movement, which successfully advocated for lowering the minimum age requirements for elective offices to encourage youth participation in politics.
As the legislative process continues, the bill will undergo further scrutiny and debate before potential enactment. If passed, it would represent a significant shift in Nigeria’s electoral landscape, redefining the eligibility criteria for the nation’s highest political offices.
