House Passes Bill for Second Reading to Disqualify Over-60s from Presidency and Governorship, Proposes Electoral Reforms, Inclusion of Youths and Persons with Disabilities, Judicial and Economic Changes, and Creation of New States
The Nigerian House of Representatives has passed for second reading a bill seeking to disqualify individuals above 60 years from contesting for the offices of President and Governor.
Sponsored by Imo lawmaker Ikenga Ugochinyere, the bill proposes an amendment to the 1999 Constitution, altering the requirements for candidates seeking these top political positions. It stipulates that only individuals with at least a university degree and not older than 60 years will be eligible to contest.
If the bill successfully scales legislative scrutiny and is signed into law, it will prevent key political figures, including President Bola Tinubu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, from participating in the 2027 presidential election, as all are above the proposed age limit.
The bill was among 31 proposed legislations that passed the second reading during Thursday’s plenary session. Other notable bills under consideration include one mandating the inclusion of youths and persons with disabilities in political appointments, another moving trade and commerce to the concurrent legislative list, and several proposals aimed at judicial reform.
In addition, the House also passed a bill to establish the Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education in Imo State, granting it federal recognition and funding. A similar bill was approved for the establishment of the Federal University of Education, Zaria, along with other education-focused institutions, such as the Yusuf Maitama Sule Federal University of Education in Kano and the University of Nigerian Languages in Aba.
Furthermore, the House deliberated on gender inclusivity by approving a bill that seeks to reserve legislative seats for women in the National and State Assemblies. Meanwhile, judicial reforms were also discussed, including a bill to increase the number of justices at the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal to enhance efficiency in the judiciary.
Additionally, the House considered bills proposing the creation of new states, including Wan State in the North Central region and Gobir State in the North West, both of which passed second reading.
As legislative discussions continue, these proposed laws, if enacted, could significantly reshape Nigeria’s political landscape, electoral system, and governance structure.
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