30-year-old Nigerians will contest for presidency, other positions by 2019

More legislators have expressed their supports and endorsement for a bill seeking to reduce the age of candidacy required to run for elective positions in Nigeria.



The proposed law serves as constitutional amendment seeking to address the legal challenge young people experience when seeking to contest elections.

Hon. Suleiman Yahaya Kwande, member representing Jos North /Bassa Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives said he and his colleagues would ensure that the law is passed before the next general elections in 2019.


He said: “We are in full support of reduction of age limit for elective posts in Nigeria through the “NotTooYoungToRun” bill so that more intelligent, brilliant and qualified young Nigerians can aspire to top public offices.

“The Bill if passed into law will alter Sections 65, 106, 131 and 177 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 by reducing the age qualification for the Office of the President and Governor and Membership of the Senate and House of Representatives.”

Kwande, one of young legislators at the National Assembly, said the bill had scaled through second reading and had been committed to the constitution review committee.

He hailed his colleague, Hon. Tony Nwulu representing Oshodi/Isolo II Federal Constituency of Lagos State, who sponsored the bill.

The Deputy Chairman of Local Content Committee further expressed delight that the bill would increase the rate of youth participation into politics.

source: nigerianeye