- Age Limit Bill: The House of Representatives has passed a bill introducing an age limit of 60 years for presidential and gubernatorial candidates.
- Educational Requirement: Candidates must hold at least a Bachelor’s degree in their chosen field of study.
- Impact on Current Leaders: Individuals like Bola Tinubu, Atiku Abubakar, and Peter Obi would be ineligible to contest elections if the bill becomes law.
- Other Passed Bills: The House has also passed bills focused on youth and gender inclusion, electoral reforms, and economic development.
- Aims of the Bills: The legislative efforts aim to reshape Nigeria’s governance structure, promote youth and gender inclusion, and enhance economic development.
Nigeria’s House of Representatives has passed a bill that could significantly impact the country’s political landscape. The bill, which has passed its second reading, proposes an amendment to the 1999 Constitution, introducing an age limit of 60 years for presidential and gubernatorial candidate. This means that individuals like Bola Tinubu, Atiku Abubakar, and Peter Obi, who are currently above 60, would be ineligible to contest elections.
The bill also requires candidates to hold at least a Bachelor’s degree in their chosen field of study. Additionally, the House has passed several other important bills, including ones focused on youth and gender inclusion, electoral reforms, and economic development.
Some of the notable bills include:
- Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education Bill: Upgrades Alvan Ikoku College of Education in Imo State to a federal university.
- Bill for Mandatory Inclusion of Youths and Persons with Disabilities in Political Appointments: Ensures inclusivity in governance by reserving positions for young people and persons with disabilities.
- Bill to Move Trade and Commerce to the Concurrent Legislative List: Grants 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: Increases female representation in legislative bodies.
These legislative efforts aim to reshape Nigeria’s governance structure, promote youth and gender inclusion, and enhance economic development.
