The House of Representatives has approved for second reading a bill aimed at prohibiting individuals over 60 years old from contesting for the positions of President and Governor in Nigeria.
Should this legislation pass through parliamentary review and be enacted, President Bola Tinubu, ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar, along with the 2023 Labour Party presidential nominee, Mr Peter Obi, would be ineligible for the 2027 presidential race due to their ages exceeding 60 years.
Titled 'An Act to Amend the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 Regarding Qualifications Required for Individuals Elected as President and Vice-President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Governors and Deputy Governors of States Within the Federation, and Other Connected Issues' was proposed by Imo state legislator Ikenga Ugochinyere.
One of the 31 proposed bills that advanced past the second reading stage during Thursday's plenary session was this particular piece of legislation.
The legislation states that "To be eligible for the presidency, an individual must have attained a minimum education level of a university degree and should hold a bachelor’s diploma in their selected area of expertise."
Section 131 of the Main Act is revised by adding a clause that states, 'He must be under 60 years old when competing for the Presidency.'
Section 177(d) of the main legislation is revised by modifying the educational criteria required for individuals to qualify for election as governor as follows:
A candidate must have completed their education at least up to the university level and should hold aBachelor's degree in their selected area of study to qualify for the presidential election.
That he is less than 60 years old at the time of competing for the position of Governor.
A proposed law to grant legislative support for setting up Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education in Imo State was also advanced to the next stage after passing its second reading.
The legislation proposed by Ugochinyere seeks to enhance the stature of the organization by providing it with federal acknowledgment and financial assistance.
The House similarly advanced a bill aimed at amending the Constitution to ensure the compulsory involvement of young individuals and those living with disabilities in political positions.
This legislation, which has been backed by the Imo legislator, aims to foster inclusivity and representation within government structures.
Likewise, the proposal to shift trade and commerce into the concurrent legislative list, designed to boost interstate commerce, also advanced to the next stage during the full assembly session.
Once enacted, the suggested bill will grant authority to both federal and state governments to oversee commerce, thereby enhancing economic actions across and between these governmental levels.
Additionally, the Federal University of Education, Zaria ( Establishment ) Bill, 2025, proposed by Speaker Abbas and Plateau state representative Yusuf Gagdi, was also reviewed and endorsed.
The proposed legislation intends to create a specialized university dedicated to teacher training in Zaria. Additional educational bills encompass the founding of the Yusuf Maitama Sule Federal University of Education in Kano and the University of Nigerian Languages in Aba, along with several others.
Also approved at the second reading stage is the Bill for Reserved Seats for Women in National and State Assemblies, 2025, introduced by Rep. Kafilat Ogbara.
This legislation seeks to advance gender inclusivity by setting aside particular parliamentary positions exclusively for women.
The bill titled "Inclusion of Youth and People with Disabilities in Political Positions," introduced by Ugochinyere, successfully advanced to the next stage after passing its second reading.
This legislation seeks to promote increased involvement of underrepresented communities in governmental affairs.
Moreover, judicial reforms are also part of the plan, including proposals like the Benjamin Kalu-sponsored Timeframes for Judicial Proceedings Act, 2025, aimed at improving the efficiency of the legal system within the nation.
A different proposition, "The Augmentation of Supreme Court & Court of Appeal Judgeships Act," proposed by Bello Kaoje, suggests increasing the number of judges to enhance judicial effectiveness.
The House likewise discussed legislation concerning the establishment of new states, where both the Wan State (North Central) Bill, 2025 and the Gobir State (North West) Bill, 2025 advanced to the second reading stage.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. Syndigate.info ).