House of Reps Moves to Prevent Over-60s from Presidential, Gubernatorial Polls

The Nigerian House of Representatives has taken a step to reshape the country’s political landscape by passing a bill to second reading that would prevent individuals above 60 years old from contesting the offices of President and Governor.

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Ike Ugochinyere, aims to amend the 1999 Constitution to pass more stringent eligibility criteria for these highest offices. If passed into law, prominent politicians like Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, and President Bola Tinubu would not be qualified to run for the presidency in future elections.

The bill specifically amends Section 131 of the constitution to place the age limit for presidential candidates at 60 years and applies the same restriction to governorship candidates under Section 177. It also makes a Bachelor’s degree a minimum requirement for the candidates.

Apart from the age limit bill, the House passed some other significant proposals, including:

1. Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education Bill: This bill, which has Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and Rep. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere as its sponsors, is for the elevation of Alvan Ikoku College of Education in Imo State to a full-fledged federal university.
2. Bill for the Creation of Ideato West Local Government Area: This bill is for the establishment of a new LGA in Imo State to advance administrative and development activities.
3. Mandatory Reservation of Youths and Persons Living with Disabilities in Political Appointments: This bill, led by Rep. Ugochinyere, would make the government more diverse by ensuring that youths and persons living with disabilities have reserved spots.
4. Bill for the Transfer of Trade and Commerce to the Concurrent Legislative List: Also sponsored by Rep. Ugochinyere, this bill would give the authority to regulate trade and commerce to both the federal government and the state governments, which could potentially boost the economy nationwide.
5. Reserved Seats for Women in National and State Assemblies Bill: Sponsored by Rep. Kafilat Ogbara, the bill seeks to increase the proportion of women in legislative houses by providing reserved seats for women.