Key Points

• A new bill limits presidential and gubernatorial candidates to those under 60 years old.

• The bill includes a requirement for candidates to hold at least a Bachelor’s degree.

• Several other bills, including those for youth inclusion, trade regulation, and judicial reform, were also passed.

On Thursday, the Nigerian House of Representatives passed a bill that seeks to prevent individuals over 60 years old from running for President or Governor.

The bill aims to amend the 1999 Constitution and change the eligibility requirements for these key political positions.

New bill introduces age limit for presidential, gubernatorial candidates

Rep. Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere sponsored the bill, which proposes significant changes to the country’s political structure.

Under this new bill, anyone running for President or Governor must be under 60 years old when they enter the race.

The bill specifically targets Sections 131 and 177 of the Constitution. It introduces the age limit for the presidency in Section 131, while Section 177 will apply the same limit to gubernatorial candidates.

The bill also includes a requirement for candidates to hold at least a Bachelor’s degree in their field of study, ensuring that presidential and gubernatorial candidates are highly educated.

Other key bills passed

Alongside the age limit bill, the House of Representatives also passed several other important bills for a second reading.

One of these bills, sponsored by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and Rep. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, seeks to upgrade Alvan Ikoku College of Education in Imo State to a federal university.

This move aims to provide better educational opportunities and increase the quality of education in the region.

Another bill proposed the creation of Ideato West Local Government Area in Imo State to improve administration and development.

Rep. Ugochinyere also sponsored a bill to ensure that youth and persons with disabilities are included in political appointments. This bill aims to reserve positions for these groups in governance, promoting inclusivity.

A bill to move trade and commerce to the Concurrent Legislative List was also introduced. This bill gives both the federal and state governments the power to regulate trade, which could help boost the country’s economy.

Additionally, a bill to reserve seats for women in national and state assemblies was passed, aiming to increase female representation in government.

Other legislative efforts

In addition to these bills, the House of Representatives also passed legislation focused on improving the judicial system.

One bill aims to speed up judicial processes, while another seeks to increase the number of justices in the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal to improve efficiency.

The House also addressed the creation of new states, including the proposals for Wan State in the North Central region and Gobir State in the Northwest.