The House of Representatives, on Thursday, passed for second reading a bill that could significantly impact key political figures in Nigeria.
Sponsored by Rep. Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere, the bill proposes an amendment to the 1999 Constitution, barring individuals above 60 from contesting for the offices of President and Governor.
If passed, the new law would require presidential and gubernatorial candidates to be no older than 60 at the time of the election. Additionally, aspirants must possess at least a Bachelor’s degree.
The bill seeks to amend Section 131 of the Constitution to enforce the age cap for presidential candidates and Section 177 to apply the same restriction to governorship aspirants.
The proposed change could affect major contenders in Nigeria’s political landscape. Former Vice President and presidential hopeful Atiku Abubakar is currently 78, while Peter Obi, another prominent aspirant, is 68. Incumbent President Bola Tinubu is widely reported to be 72.
The bill’s fate now depends on further legislative processes and whether the President will sign it into law if it eventually passes.
