The People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), and Social Democratic Party (SDP) have vehemently condemned a bill proposing a 60-year age limit for presidential and governorship candidates in Nigeria. The bill, which passed its second reading, aims to amend the 1999 Constitution and would disqualify President Bola Tinubu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and 2023 Labour Party flagbearer Peter Obi from the 2027 presidential election.
Opposition Reactions
- The PDP dismissed the bill as a distraction, arguing that corruption, incompetence, and lack of patriotism are the real obstacles to effective leadership .
- CUPP’s National Publicity Secretary, Mark Adebayo, called the bill a misguided attempt to scapegoat age for Nigeria’s leadership woes, emphasizing that leadership is about competence, exposure, and patriotism, not age .
- The SDP advocated for a balanced leadership approach, stressing that experience, competence, and values should be considered alongside youth inclusion .
Proposed Amendment Details
The bill seeks to modify Sections 131 and 177 of the Nigerian Constitution, requiring candidates for the presidency and governorship to:
- Hold at least a university degree.
- Not be older than 60 years at the time of election.
The bill has sparked widespread debate, with some citizens supporting younger leadership and others arguing that competence should take precedence over age. Political analysts warn that the bill may face legal and public resistance if it progresses, as it contradicts global democratic norms
