A bill seeking to stop people above sixty years from contesting election into Presidential and Governorship offices in Nigeria has passed for 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 to Review the Requirements that Qualifies a Persons to be Elected as President and Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Governors and Deputy Governor of a State of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and for Related Matters’ was sponsored by Mr. Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere.
“A person shall be qualified for election to the office of the President if he has been educated up to atleast university level and has earned a Bachelors degree in his chosen field of study.
“Section 131 of the principal Act is amended by inserting a paragraph as follows : That he is not more than sixty years (60) at the time of vying for the office of President.
“Section 177(d) of the principal Act is amended by altering the educational requirement that qualifies persons to be elected as governor as follows:
“A person shall be qualified for election to the office of the Governor if he has been educated up to at least university level and has earned a Bachelors degree in his chosen field of study.
“That he is not more than sixty years (60) at the time of vying for the office of the Governor.
The House also passed for second reading several crucial bills including constitutional amendment bills.
The House also passed for second reading the Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution to Provide for Mandatory Inclusion of Youths and Persons Living with Disabilities in Political Appointments.
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This bill, also sponsored by Mr. Ugochinyere, seeks to promote inclusivity and representation in governance.
Additionally, the House passed a bill to move trade and commerce to the Concurrent Legislative List, aimed at enhancing interstate commerce.
According to the legislation, sponsored by Mr. Ikenga Ugochinyere, it will give both the federal and state governments the authority to regulate trade, boosting economic activity across states.
The House also considered a Bill to Review the Requirements for Qualification to Contest for the Offices of the President, Vice President, Governor, and Deputy Governor.
This bill, also sponsored by Mr. Ugochinyere, is set to streamline the process for candidates aspiring to these high offices, ensuring better governance and leadership selection.
Education and other related bills
Other bills include the Federal University of Education, Zaria (Establishment) Bill, 2025 (HB. 2229), sponsored by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, and Rep. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi.
This bill aims to establish a specialized university focused on teacher education in Zaria. Other education-related bills include the establishment of Yusuf Maitama Sule Federal University of Education in Kano (HB. 2232), Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education in Imo (HB. 2233), and the University of Nigerian Languages in Aba (HBs. 692 & 1753), among others.
Also passed for second reading is the Reserved Seats for Women in National and State Assemblies Bill, 2025 (HB. 1383), sponsored by Rep. Kafilat Ogbara.
The bill seeks to promote gender inclusivity by reserving specific legislative seats for women.
The Inclusion of Youths and Persons with Disabilities in Political Appointments Bill, 2025 (HB. 536), sponsored by Mr. Ikeagwuonu Onyinye Ugochinyere, also passed second reading.
The bill aims to ensure greater participation of marginalized groups in government.
Additionally, judicial reforms are on the agenda with bills such as the Timelines for Justice Administration Bill, 2025 (HB. 618), sponsored by Rep. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, which seeks to expedite the judicial process.
Another proposal, the Increase in Number of Supreme Court & Court of Appeal Justices Bill, 2025 (HB. 682), sponsored by Rep. Bello Kaoje, calls for an expansion in the number of justices to improve the efficiency of the judiciary.
The House also deliberated on bills related to the creation of new states, with the Creation of Wan State (North Central) Bill, 2025 (HB. 2180) and the Creation of Gobir State (Northwest) Bill, 2025 (HB. 2226) being among the proposals for new states.
The House thereafter adjourned plenary to April 29th, 2025.
Emmanuel Ukoh
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