Bill to Bar Candidates Over 60 from Presidency, Governorship Passes Second Reading in House of Reps

The Nigerian House of Representatives has passed a bill for second reading that seeks to prevent individuals above 60 years from contesting for the offices of President and Governor.

Sponsored by Rep. Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere, the bill proposes amendments to the 1999 Constitution, setting a maximum age limit of 60 years for candidates seeking these top political positions. It also mandates that candidates must hold at least a Bachelor’s degree. The proposed changes would amend Section 131 of the Constitution for the presidency and Section 177 for governorship elections.

Beyond the age limit bill, the House also advanced several other key legislative proposals:

A bill seeking to upgrade Alvan Ikoku College of Education in Imo State to a federal university passed its second reading. Sponsored by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and Rep. Ugochinyere, the bill aims to strengthen Nigeria’s teacher education sector.

Another bill proposes the creation of Ideato West Local Government Area in Imo State to enhance local governance and development.

To promote inclusivity, the House considered a bill mandating the inclusion of youths and persons with disabilities in political appointments. Similarly, a separate bill, sponsored by Rep. Kafilat Ogbara, seeks to reserve seats for women in national and state legislative assemblies.

Economic reforms were also on the agenda, with a bill to move trade and commerce to the Concurrent Legislative List, allowing both federal and state governments to regulate the sector for improved economic activity.

In judicial matters, lawmakers debated bills to expedite justice delivery, increase the number of Supreme Court and Court of Appeal justices, and create new states, including Wan State in the North Central and Gobir State in the Northwest.