Not Too Young To Run

#NotTooYoungToRun Bill

#Inclusion #Participation #Access #ValueAddition #CompetitivePolitics #IntergenerationalDialogue

#NotTooYoungToRun bill is a bill that seeks to reduce the constitutional age requirement for running for elective office in Nigeria. The ultimate goal of the bill is to promote increased youth participation in the political process.

The bill with gazette number HB. 544 seeks to alter the Section 65, 106, 131, 177 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) to reduce the age qualification for the Office of the President from 40 years to 30 years; Governor 35 to 30, Senate 35 to 30, House of Representatives 30 to 25 and State House of Assembly 30 to 25.

The bill also seeks to mainstream independent candidacy into Nigeria’s electoral laws in order to strengthen and increase the competitiveness of the political process. Not only will independent candidacy check the practise of imposition and substitution of candidates by political parties, it will also promote issue-based politics. Hon.Tony Nwulu, representative of Oshodi/Isolo Federal Constituency II of Lagos state, is sponsor of the bill.

The bill has passed the 1st and 2nd reading stage in the House of Representatives. It is now before the Committee on Constitution Review.