The House of Representatives, on Thursday, passed for second reading a bill that could change the age limits for gubernatorial and presidential candidates in Nigeria
Lead by Rep. Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere, the bill proposes an amendment to the 1999 Constitution, barring individuals above 60 from contesting for the offices of President and Governor.
If passed, the new law would limit presidential and gubernatorial candidates to be no older than 60 at the time of the election and candidates must possess at least a Bachelor’s degree.
The proposed change could affect major contenders in Nigeria’s political landscape. Former Vice President and presidential hopeful Atiku Abubakar is currently 78, while Peter Obi, another prominent aspirant, is 68.
The bill’s fate now depends on further legislative processes and whether the President will sign it into law if it is eventually passes.
