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60-Year Age Limit Bill for Presidential, Gubernatorial Candidates Passes Second Reading in Nigeria’s House of Representatives

On Thursday, March 27, 2025, the Nigerian House of Representatives made significant strides towards constitutional reform with the passing of a bill that seeks to impose an age limit for presidential and gubernatorial candidates in the country. The bill, which was sponsored by Rep. Ike Ugochinyere, aims to introduce an age limit of 60 years for individuals seeking to run for the offices of President and Governor in Nigeria.

This development, which marks the second reading of the bill, has sparked both support and controversy across the nation, with political commentators and the public alike weighing in on its potential implications. If passed into law, this bill would have a transformative effect on the political landscape, preventing politicians above the age of 60 from contesting for these two key offices.

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The bill, which proposes amendments to the Nigerian Constitution of 1999, specifically seeks to modify the eligibility requirements for candidates running for the presidency and governorship.

• Presidential Age Limit: According to the provisions of the bill, any individual wishing to contest for the office of the President must not be older than 60 years at the time of contesting the election.
• Gubernatorial Age Limit: Similarly, the bill imposes the same age limit for individuals seeking to run for the office of Governor, with candidates also being required to be no older than 60 years at the time of the election.
• Educational Qualification: The bill also stipulates that presidential and gubernatorial candidates must hold at least a Bachelor’s degree in their field of study. This provision aims to raise the educational standard of candidates vying for such crucial positions in the country.

The proposed amendments would specifically affect Sections 131 and 177 of the Nigerian Constitution. Section 131, which deals with the eligibility for presidential candidates, would be modified to introduce the age limit, while Section 177, which governs the qualifications for gubernatorial candidates, would be similarly amended to include this age restriction.

The bill’s passage is particularly noteworthy because it would disqualify several high-profile political figures from contesting for the presidency in future elections, including prominent figures such as Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, and President Bola Tinubu. These individuals, who are all over the age of 60, would no longer be eligible to run for the highest office in the land, should the bill become law.

This has already generated substantial debate within the political sphere. Supporters of the bill argue that it would bring in fresh leadership, infuse energy into Nigeria’s political system, and ensure that the country is led by younger, more dynamic individuals who can respond to the needs of a rapidly changing society. Proponents of the bill also assert that it would encourage the emergence of a new generation of leaders who can better address the issues facing the country, such as youth unemployment, infrastructure deficits, and the digital divide.

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On the other hand, critics argue that the bill is discriminatory and could undermine the democratic process. They contend that it unfairly limits the pool of candidates by imposing an arbitrary age limit and prevents experienced leaders from continuing to offer their services. These critics also note that age should not be the sole determinant of an individual’s ability to lead, and that voters should have the right to choose their leaders based on merit rather than age.

Furthermore, there are concerns that the bill could disproportionately affect certain regions or demographic groups, potentially excluding seasoned politicians who have built significant political capital over the years. In a country as diverse as Nigeria, with a complex mix of ethnic and regional dynamics, the bill could alter the balance of power in ways that some fear may not be in the best interest of national unity.

In addition to the age limit bill, the House of Representatives passed several other important bills during the same session. These bills address a wide range of issues affecting Nigeria’s governance and development.

1. Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education Bill:
   • This bill, co-sponsored by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and Rep. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, seeks to upgrade the Alvan Ikoku College of Education in Imo State to a full-fledged federal university. The bill aims to provide enhanced educational opportunities in the region and strengthen the nation’s higher education sector.
2. Creation of Ideato West Local Government Area:
   • This bill proposes the creation of an additional Local Government Area (LGA) in Imo State. Proponents of this bill argue that the establishment of the Ideato West LGA would help improve administrative efficiency and accelerate development efforts in the area.
3. Bill for Mandatory Inclusion of Youths and Persons with Disabilities in Political Appointments:
   • Sponsored by Rep. Ugochinyere, this bill is designed to ensure inclusivity in governance. It mandates that political appointments at all levels of government include reserved positions for young people and persons with disabilities. The bill seeks to promote social justice and representation for underrepresented groups in Nigerian politics.
4. Bill to Move Trade and Commerce to the Concurrent Legislative List:
   • This bill, also sponsored by Rep. Ugochinyere, seeks to grant both the federal and state governments the authority to regulate trade and commerce. By moving trade and commerce to the Concurrent Legislative List, this bill aims to boost economic activity and promote the growth of Nigeria’s internal markets.
5. Reserved Seats for Women in National and State Assemblies Bill:
   • Sponsored by Rep. Kafilat Ogbara, this bill is intended to increase female representation in Nigeria’s legislative bodies. By reserving specific seats for women in both the National Assembly and State Assemblies, the bill aims to promote gender equality in political representation and decision-making.

The passing of the 60-year age limit bill in the Nigerian House of Representatives reflects a broader trend of political reform aimed at modernizing governance and promoting the participation of younger generations in politics. The bill is part of a larger push to bring about significant constitutional and electoral reforms that address the evolving needs of the Nigerian population.

At the same time, the bill raises fundamental questions about age and leadership. While youth and vigor are essential qualities for leadership, experience and wisdom—often associated with age—also play crucial roles in effective governance. The challenge for Nigerian lawmakers will be to strike a balance between encouraging the emergence of new political leaders and respecting the contributions of seasoned politicians who have played pivotal roles in shaping the country’s political and economic landscape.

With the bill having passed its second reading, the next step is for it to be subjected to further scrutiny and debate in the National Assembly. Should it gain the approval of the legislature, it would then be sent to the Nigerian President for assent and ultimately become part of the Constitution.

The future of the bill will depend on the political dynamics in the country, as well as the reactions of key stakeholders, including political parties, civil society organizations, and the Nigerian public. If successful, the bill could mark a watershed moment in Nigerian politics, ushering in a new era of leadership and governance.

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The bill also has the potential to inspire similar legislative reforms in other parts of the world, as countries around the globe grapple with questions of leadership, age, and generational change in politics. Whether or not this bill ultimately becomes law, its passage through the House of Representatives signals a growing appetite for change and a desire to ensure that Nigeria’s future is shaped by leaders who are best equipped to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

The passage of the 60-year age limit bill for presidential and gubernatorial candidates represents a significant milestone in Nigeria’s political evolution. As the debate around the bill intensifies, it is clear that the nation is grappling with fundamental questions about leadership, age, and inclusivity in its political system. Whether this bill will pave the way for a new era of leadership in Nigeria or spark further division remains to be seen, but its implications for the country’s political future cannot be understated.