Senate passes bill on age reduction for elective offices; okays independent candidature

The Senate on Wednesday, passed the much-anticipated “Not Too Young To Run bill”, which seeks age reduction for elective offices.

The debate was committed to an electronic vote, where 86 Senators showed their support, 10 were against it. While just 1 senator abstained.

This now means Nigerian youths can contest for President at the age of 35 and Governor or Senators at the age of 30. It is a change from the initial 40 and 35 years limit respectively, which was mandated by the constitution.

The bill also stipulates that 25-year-old people, can now legislate in the National and State Assemblies across the country.

For the bill to, however, take effect, it needs the endorsement of 24 State Assemblies and presidential assent.

Meanwhile, the Senate also approved independent candidature for Nigeria’s electoral process.

Before now, only political parties could sponsor candidates for elections in the country.

The development means candidates can now vie for elective positions without joining a party.

Furthermore, the Senators vote to ensure ministerial nominees sent to it include their portfolios and are sent within 30 days of inauguration of the president and of governors for states.

Also, Senate voted to empower INEC to deregister political parties over failure to secure an elective seat.

These developments are part of the ongoing amendment of the 1999 constitution.