The Senate on Wednesday passed a bill to reduce the age limit required to run for elective positions in government.
The passage was done following a voting that saw 86 senators in favour of the bill and ten others against.
One senator abstained from voting.
Popularly referred to as the “Not too young to run bill”, it seeks to alter sections 65, 106, 131 and 177 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) which entails reducing age limits as requirements for the office of the President from 40 years to 30 years; Governor from 35 years to 30 years; Senate from 35 to 30; House of Representatives from 30 years to 25.
The same is expected to go for the State House of Assembly also at 25 from 30.
The age limit for the Senate, as passed, remains, however.
Next Edition learnt that that was a result of a compromise between the sponsors of the bill, the movement in charge of the advocacy and some key senators.
Details on why the age limit for the Senate was not reduced remains sketch as at press time.
Also voted for is the bill to introduce independent candidacy into Nigeria’s electoral process which had 82 Senators voting in support.
Over 30 bills were voted on as part of its constitution review process.
Key amongst the bills passed was the 35% affirmative action for women as ministers which earned 49 votes in support as against the 43 against.
The for the immunity for legislators for acts in course of duties received 93 votes while one was against.
The Next Edition also learned that the organisation behind the lobbying and campaign for the “Not Too Young To Run” bill, Youth Initiative for Advocacy, Growth, and Advancement (YIAGA) are of the utmost belief that with the bill passed and hopefully being signed into law by the President, inclusiveness and broader political participation by Nigerians of all walks of life irrespective of age will further deepen Nigeria’s democracy.
It also stressed that the inter-generational dialogue vital for better governance would be deepened by the participation of younger Nigerians in the< political process.
