Reps Propose 60-Year Age Limit for Presidential, Governor Candidates
The Nigerian House of Representatives has passed a bill for a second reading that seeks to set a maximum age limit of 60 years for individuals contesting for the positions of president and state governor. If approved, this law could disqualify major political figures from running in the 2027 elections.
The bill, sponsored by lawmaker Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere, aims to amend sections 131 and 177 of the 1999 Constitution to enforce the new age cap. Additionally, it proposes a minimum educational requirement, mandating that candidates must hold at least a bachelor’s degree.
Potential Impact on 2027 Elections
If the bill becomes law, notable politicians such as President Bola Tinubu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, and ex-Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso may be ineligible to contest future elections.
Currently, the Nigerian Constitution states that a presidential candidate must:
Be a Nigerian by birth
Belong to a political party
Have at least a school certificate
Be at least 30 years old
Before the Not Too Young to Run Act was signed into law by former President Muhammadu Buhari, the minimum age for a presidential candidate was 40, while governors needed to be at least 35 years old.
Other Legislative Proposals
In addition to the age-limit bill, the House passed several other bills for a second reading, including:
The creation of Wan State (North Central) and Gobir State (Northwest)
Upgrading Alvan Ikoku College of Education (Imo State) to a federal university of education
Creating Ideato West Local Government Area in Imo State
Ensuring mandatory inclusion of youths and persons with disabilities in political appointments
Moving trade and commerce to the Concurrent Legislative List
Reserving seats for women in national and state assemblies
Judicial reform bills, including timelines for justice administration and an increase in the number of Supreme Court and Court of Appeal justices
The proposed laws will now undergo further legislative processes before possible approval.
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