The bill otherwise referred to as #NotTooYoungToRun bill, is seeking to lower the age constitutionally required to run for office.
This means it would seek to alter Sections 65, 106, 131 and 177 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) and see the constitutional age requirements lowered. This would mean; Presidential candidates from 40 years to 30 years; Gubernatorial candidates from 35 to 30, Senate 35 to 30, House of Representatives 30 to 25 and State House of Assembly 30 to 25.
The bill has so far passed for first reading at the National Assembly. The Bill with gazette number HB. 544 was read and passed initially at a plenary session of the House on Wednesday 26th of May 2016.
It was sponsored by Hon. Tony Nwulu representing Oshodi/Isolo II Federal Constituency of Lagos state.
The aim of the bill is to give greater participation in political matters to youths and create a level playing field.
According to the Speaker of the House of Reps Yakubu Dogara, ‘I think it may not be out of place to lower the age qualification for certain elective offices in the next constitutional amendment exercise
‘This country belongs to you but it’s under the stranglehold of men and women of a generation that have overreached itself. The truth is that nothing will be ceded or conceded to your generation without a fight’.