The House of Representatives has advanced a bill for a second reading that exclude persons over the age of 60 from contesting the offices of President and Governor in Nigeria.
If the bill successfully passes through legislative scrutiny and is signed into law, prominent political figures such as President Bola Tinubu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi would be ineligible to run in the 2027 presidential elections due to their age.
Titled “A Bill for an Act to alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to review the qualifications for presidential, gubernatorial, and deputy gubernatorial elections,” the proposed legislation was introduced by Imo lawmaker Ikenga Ugochinyere.
It is among the 31 bills that passed the second reading during Thursday’s plenary session.
Key provisions of the bill include a requirement for presidential and gubernatorial candidates to possess at least a university degree in their chosen field.
Additionally, the bill seeks to amend Section 131 of the Constitution to impose a 60-year age limit for individuals vying for the presidency, and Section 177(d) to set the same age limit for gubernatorial candidates.
The House also passed a bill to grant Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education in Imo State federal status and funding.
This legislation, also sponsored by Ugochinyere, aims to elevate the institution’s profile and provide it with necessary financial support.
READ ALSO : Lawmakers propose citizenship for foreign investors
Other bills that progressed during the session include a proposal to ensure the mandatory inclusion of youths and persons with disabilities in political appointments, a measure designed to foster greater inclusivity in governance.
Another significant bill seeks to move trade and commerce to the concurrent legislative list, allowing both federal and state governments to regulate trade more effectively and enhance economic activities between the two.
Additionally, the Federal University of Education, Zaria (Establishment) Bill, 2025, and other education-related bills, including the establishment of Yusuf Maitama Sule Federal University of Education in Kano and the University of Nigerian Languages in Aba, also passed their second readings.
The Reserved Seats for Women in National and State Assemblies Bill, 2025, aimed at increasing women’s representation in the legislature, also advanced.
Furthermore, the Inclusion of Youths and Persons with Disabilities in Political Appointments Bill, 2025, sponsored by Ugochinyere, aims to boost the participation of marginalized groups in government.
Bills addressing judicial reforms were also considered, including the Timelines for Justice Administration Bill, 2025, which seeks to improve the justice delivery system, and the Increase in Number of Supreme Court & Court of Appeal Justices Bill, which advocates for expanding the judiciary to enhance efficiency.
Additionally, the House discussed the Creation of Wan State (North Central) and Gobir State (North West) Bills, both of which passed the second reading, marking further steps in the creation of new states.
Crediblenewsng.com
