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| House of Reps. |
A bill aimed at amending the 1999 Constitution to lower the minimum age required to contest for the office of Governor and for election into the Senate from 35 to 30 years has passed its 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 introduced by Esin Martin Etim, who represents the Mbo/Okobo/Oron/Udung Uko/Urue Federal Constituency of Akwa Ibom State, along with twenty-four other lawmakers.
Nigeria’s constitution currently stipulates that candidates for the Senate and governorship must be at least 35 years old, while those contesting for the House of Representatives may run from age 25.
However, Etim argued that the existing age limit restricts opportunities for young lawmakers hoping to progress to higher political offices.
According to him, the 10-year difference slows the advancement of young legislators, especially those who enter the House at 25 and complete two four-year terms by age 33, yet remain unable to contest for the Senate or governorship.
He added that the bill proposes reducing the minimum age from 35 to 30, maintaining a five-year gap between eligibility for the House of Representatives and the upper offices.
The Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, then subjected the bill to a voice vote without debate, and the majority of lawmakers backed it for second reading.
Abbas forwarded the bill to the House Committee on Constitution Review for further consideration.
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