Nigeria’s House of Representatives has taken a significant step towards setting an age limit for presidential and gubernatorial candidates. A bill proposing a 60-year age limit for contestants passed its second reading on Thursday, March 27, 2025 . If enacted, this bill would prevent individuals like President Bola Tinubu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi from contesting in the 2027 presidential election due to their age.
Key Provisions of the Bill
The proposed legislation, sponsored by Imo lawmaker Ikenga Ugochinyere, aims to amend Sections 131 and 177 of the 1999 Constitution. The key provisions include:
Age Limit: Candidates for presidential and gubernatorial positions must not exceed 60 years of age.
Educational Requirement: Candidates must have a university degree in their chosen field of study.
Other Bills Passed for Second Reading
In addition to the age limit bill, several other significant bills passed their second reading:
Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education Bill: Seeks to grant statutory backing to the establishment of Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education in Imo State.
Inclusion of Youths and Persons with Disabilities in Political Appointments Bill: Aims to promote inclusivity in governance by reserving positions for young people and persons with disabilities.
Reserved Seats for Women in National and State Assemblies Bill: Seeks to allocate specific legislative seats for women to enhance gender representation in governance.
Judicial Reform Bills: Propose measures to enhance the efficiency of Nigeria’s justice system, including timelines for justice administration and expanding the number of justices.
Creation of New States: Bills proposing the creation of Wan State (North Central) and Gobir State (North West) passed their second reading.
These legislative moves demonstrate the House of Representatives’ commitment to pushing for significant constitutional and governance reforms in Nigeria .
