Nigeria’s House of Representatives has taken a bold step toward changing the country’s political landscape. On March 27, lawmakers passed for second reading a bill that seeks to bar anyone above the age of 60 from contesting for the offices of President or State Governor.

Representative Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere sponsored the bill. He argued that the amendment would help inject fresh energy into Nigeria’s leadership and create more opportunities for younger people to rise into power.

What the bill proposes

The bill aims to amend Sections 131 and 177 of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution. These sections outline the eligibility criteria for presidential and gubernatorial candidates. Under the proposed amendment, no person older than 60 will be allowed to run for either office.

The bill also introduces a new educational requirement. It mandates that candidates must possess at least a university degree or its equivalent to be eligible. This marks a shift from the current rule, which only requires a school certificate or its equivalent.

Who would be affected?

If passed into law, the bill will disqualify several high-profile politicians from future elections. Those affected would include current President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso.

By 2027, all four politicians will be older than 60. This development could significantly reshape the lineup of candidates in Nigeria’s next general elections.

Why the bill matters now

The conversation around youth inclusion in Nigerian politics has gained momentum in recent years. With the passage of the Not Too Young To Run Act in 2018, Nigeria lowered the age for running for president from 40 to 35. But critics argue that despite this legal change, young candidates still struggle to compete in practice due to financial, structural, and party-related barriers.

This new bill flips the conversation by proposing an upper age limit. Supporters say it could help balance the scale and push political parties to invest in younger, more dynamic candidates.

Reactions from lawmakers and the public

While the bill passed second reading, it sparked mixed reactions among lawmakers. Some representatives expressed support, saying Nigeria needs leaders with physical and mental agility to face the challenges of modern governance. Others, however, warned that the bill may be discriminatory and could face legal opposition.

Public opinion remains divided. On social media, many young Nigerians cheered the proposal, viewing it as a win for the youth. Critics, however, pointed out that experience and wisdom often come with age, and the focus should instead be on integrity, performance, and competence.

Other bills discussed during the session

The House didn’t only focus on age restrictions. Lawmakers also considered several other bills during the same session, including:

• A proposal to upgrade Alvan Ikoku College of Education in Imo State to a federal university.

• A bill seeking the creation of Ideato West Local Government Area.

• A motion to move trade and commerce to the Concurrent Legislative List, allowing both federal and state governments to regulate business.

• A bill to ensure the inclusion of youths and persons with disabilities in political appointments.

• Another proposal that would reserve a number of seats for women in both national and state assemblies.

These developments reflect a broader push by lawmakers to reform governance, education, and political representation in Nigeria.

What happens next?

Now that the age limit bill has passed its second reading, it will move to the committee stage. At that point, lawmakers will scrutinize it more deeply and decide whether to advance it to a third reading. If it passes all stages in the House and Senate, it will then be presented to the President for assent.

However, constitutional amendments also require approval from two-thirds of Nigeria’s 36 State Houses of Assembly. That means the process is far from over and will face political and legal hurdles along the way.

Final thoughts

If Nigeria adopts this proposed age limit, it would mark a historic shift in how the country selects its leaders. While the debate continues, one thing is clear: the political tide is changing. As 2027 approaches, all eyes will remain on the National Assembly—and the future of leadership in Africa’s most populous democracy.