The House of Reps made waves on Thursday, passing a bill for its second reading that could shake up Nigeria’s big political names. Rep. Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere brought the idea to change the 1999 Constitution to stop anyone over 60 from running for President or Governor. If this sticks, it’d mean candidates have to be 60 or younger when they throw their hat in, plus they’d need at least a Bachelor’s degree to even try.
The bill tweaks Section 131 for Presidents and Section 177 for Governors, setting that hard age cap. Think about it Atiku Abubakar, who’s gunning for the top job, is 78. Peter Obi, another hopeful, is 68. And President Bola Tinubu claims he’s around 72. If this law flies, all these heavyweights could be out of the game next time they want to run.
It’s not a done deal yet as lawmakers still have to push it through, and President Tinubu himself would need to sign. Will he agree to a rule that could’ve stopped him too?. Some say it’s time for younger blood, others think it’s unfair to kick out experience.