A proposal to amend the 1999 Constitution in order to lower the minimum age for contesting the offices of Governor and Senator from 35 to 30 years has passed second reading in the House of Representatives.
The bill, titled ‘A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) to Reduce the Age for Qualification for Membership of the Senate and Office of the Governor and for Related Matters (HB. 2235)’, was sponsored by the member representing Mbo/Okobo/Oron/Udung Uko/Urue Federal Constituency in Akwa Ibom State, Esin Martin Etim, alongside twenty-four other lawmakers.
Nigeria’s constitution currently stipulates that candidates for the Senate and governorship positions must be at least 35 years old, while those seeking election into the House of Representatives may contest from age 25.
However, Etim argued that the age benchmark restricts opportunities for young lawmakers aspiring to higher political office. He said the 10-year gap limits the political advancement of legislators who enter the House at 25 and, after serving two four-year terms, attain age 33 but remain ineligible to contest for Senate or governorship.
He explained that the bill seeks to reduce the age requirement to 30, thereby maintaining a five-year difference between the eligibility thresholds for the House of Representatives and the higher offices.
The Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, subsequently subjected the bill to a voice vote, which secured majority support at second reading.
He thereafter referred the legislation to the House Committee on Constitution Review for further legislative consideration.
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