…Nigeria’s current constitution mandates that candidates for the Senate and governorship must be at least 35 years old.
Abuja, Nigeria – The iNews Times, a major Constitution Amendment bill seeking to reduce the minimum age for contesting the offices of Governor and Senator from 35 to 30 years has passed its second reading in the House of Representatives. The bill, which centers on the push to reduce age limits for higher political offices, marks a fresh phase in Nigeria’s widening debate on youth inclusion in governance.
Sponsored by Esin Martin Etim, who represents the Mbo/Okobo/Oron/Udung Uko/Urue Federal Constituency of Akwa Ibom State, alongside twenty-four co-sponsors, the legislation is 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).”
Nigeria’s current constitution mandates that candidates for the Senate and governorship must be at least 35 years old, while aspirants to the House of Representatives may contest from age 25. But Etim argued that this structure creates an unnecessary barrier for young lawmakers seeking upward political mobility.
He noted that the 10-year gap between eligibility for the House and higher offices slows political advancement, especially for young legislators who might complete two four-year terms by age 33 but still fall short of the current 35-year threshold for Senate or governorship contests.
The proposal seeks to reduce the age requirement to 30, thereby maintaining a five-year progression gap and giving young legislators a more realistic path to higher leadership.
After reading the bill, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas put it to a voice vote. With overwhelming support and no debate, the bill sailed through its second reading.
The legislation has now been referred to the House Committee on Constitution Review for further deliberation and legislative processing.
