The House of Representatives on Thursday passed a bill for second reading that seeks to impose an age limit on individuals aspiring for the offices of President and Governor in Nigeria.
Sponsored by Rep. Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere, the bill proposes an amendment to the 1999 Constitution, stipulating that presidential and gubernatorial candidates must not exceed the age of 60 at the time of contesting.
In addition to the age requirement, the bill mandates that candidates must possess at least a Bachelor’s degree in their chosen field of study.
Specifically, Section 131 of the Constitution, related to the presidency, and Section 177, pertaining to gubernatorial candidates, would be amended to reflect this change.
Rep. Ugochinyere explained, “This bill is about ensuring a younger, dynamic leadership. We need fresh ideas, and these proposed amendments will help rejuvenate our political leadership.”
The House also passed several other bills for second reading, including the creation of a new federal university, mandatory inclusion of youths and persons with disabilities in political appointments, and a bill aimed at moving trade and commerce to the concurrent legislative list, giving both federal and state governments authority over regulation.