JUST IN : Bill to stop Tinubu, Atiku, Obi, others from contesting election passes second reading at Reps

 The Nigerian House of Representatives has advanced a bill that, if enacted, would set an upper age limit of 60 years for individuals seeking election to the offices of President and Governor. This proposed constitutional amendment, sponsored by Representative Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere, also stipulates that candidates must possess at least a bachelor's degree in their chosen field of study.

Key Provisions of the Proposed Amendment:

• Age Limit: Candidates for the presidency and governorship must not be older than 60 years at the time of election.

• Educational Qualification: A minimum of a bachelor's degree is required for eligibility.

The bill seeks to amend Sections 131 and 177 of the 1999 Constitution to incorporate these new eligibility criteria.

Potential Impact on Prominent Politicians:

Should this amendment become law, several notable Nigerian politicians, including President Bola Tinubu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and former Governor Peter Obi, would be ineligible to contest in the 2027 elections due to their ages exceeding the proposed limit.

Legislative Progress and Related Bills:

In addition to the age limit bill, the House has passed several other significant bills for second reading, including:

• Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education Bill: Aims to upgrade Alvan Ikoku College of Education in Imo State to a federal university.

• Bill for the Creation of Ideato West Local Government Area: Proposes establishing an additional LGA in Imo State to enhance administrative and developmental efforts.

• Bill for Mandatory Inclusion of Youths and Persons with Disabilities in Political Appointments: Seeks to ensure inclusivity in governance by reserving positions for young people and persons with disabilities.

• Bill to Move Trade and Commerce to the Concurrent Legislative List: Intends to grant both federal and state governments the power to regulate trade and commerce, boosting economic activity nationwide.

• Reserved Seats for Women in National and State Assemblies Bill: Aims to increase female representation in legislative bodies.

Public and Political Reactions:

The proposed age limit has elicited mixed reactions. Supporters argue that it would promote youth inclusion in governance, building upon initiatives like the "Not Too Young To Run" movement, which successfully advocated for lowering the minimum age requirements for elective offices. Critics, however, contend that imposing an upper age limit is discriminatory and undermines the democratic principle of allowing the electorate to choose their leaders without age constraints. 

Next Steps:

For the bill to become law, it must pass through additional readings in the House, receive concurrence from the Senate, and obtain presidential assent. Given the potential ramifications and the prominence of politicians who would be affected, the bill is expected to undergo rigorous debate in the coming legislative sessions.

This development underscores the ongoing discourse in Nigeria regarding the balance between experience and youthfulness in leadership roles, as well as the broader efforts to reform the political landscape to foster inclusivity and meritocracy.