In a significant move aimed at reshaping Nigeria’s governance structure, the House of Representatives has passed for second reading a bill seeking to amend the 1999 Constitution to introduce an age limit for presidential and gubernatorial candidates. The proposed legislation, sponsored by Rep. Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere, aims to bar individuals above 60 years from contesting for these key political positions.
According to the bill, presidential and gubernatorial candidates must not be older than 60 years at the time of contesting. Additionally, candidates must hold at least a Bachelor’s degree in their chosen field of study. The bill specifically amends Section 131 of the constitution to introduce the age limit for the presidency and Section 177 to apply the same requirement to gubernatorial candidates.
This development has significant implications for the 2027 presidential election, as President Bola Tinubu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and Labour Party’s Peter Obi are all above 60 years old. However, it’s worth noting that the bill still needs to pass through several stages before becoming law.
The passage of the bill for second reading is a significant step towards promoting youth inclusion in governance. The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Ugochinyere, argued that the age limit would ensure that only individuals with the requisite energy and vitality are elected into office.
In addition to the age limit bill, the House passed several other important bills for second reading. The Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education Bill seeks to upgrade Alvan Ikoku College of Education in Imo State to a federal university. This move is expected to enhance the institution’s capacity to produce high-quality educators.
The House also passed the Bill for the Creation of Ideato West Local Government Area, which proposes the creation of an additional LGA in Imo State to enhance administrative and developmental efforts. This move is expected to bring government closer to the people and promote more effective service delivery.
Furthermore, the House passed the Bill for Mandatory Inclusion of Youths and Persons with Disabilities in Political Appointments. This bill aims to ensure inclusivity in governance by reserving positions for young people and persons with disabilities. The bill’s sponsor argued that this move would promote diversity and ensure that all segments of society are represented in government.
The Bill to Move Trade and Commerce to the Concurrent Legislative List also passed for second reading. This bill seeks to grant both federal and state governments the power to regulate trade and commerce, boosting economic activity nationwide. The bill’s sponsor argued that this move would promote economic development and create jobs.
The Reserved Seats for Women in National and State Assemblies Bill also passed for second reading. This bill aims to increase female representation in legislative bodies. The bill’s sponsor argued that this move would promote gender equality and ensure that women’s voices are heard in governance.
The House also passed several judicial reform bills, including the Timelines for Justice Administration Bill and the Increase in Supreme Court & Court of Appeal Justices Bill. These bills seek to expedite judicial processes and improve efficiency. The bill’s sponsor argued that this move would promote justice and ensure that cases are resolved in a timely manner.
The passage of these bills demonstrates the House’s commitment to promoting good governance, youth inclusion, and economic development. The bills’ sponsors expressed optimism that the legislation would have a positive impact on the country and promote the well-being of citizens.
