Fatimah Otunsanya
The House of Representatives on Tuesday passed for second reading a bill seeking to amend the 1999 Constitution to reduce the minimum age requirement for governorship and Senate elections from 35 to 30 years.
The bill, titled “A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) to Reduce the Age for Qualification for Membership of the Senate and Office of the Governor and for Related Matters (HB. 2235),” is sponsored by Hon. Esin Etim and 24 other lawmakers.
Currently, candidates for the Senate and governorship positions must be at least 35 years old, while those seeking House of Representatives seats may contest from age 25.
Leading the debate, Etim, representing Offong/Oruko/Udung Uko Federal Constituency of Akwa Ibom State, argued that the existing age limits impede the political progression of young Nigerians and create unnecessary barriers in leadership development.
He explained that the 10-year age gap between eligibility for the House and higher elective offices restricts young legislators who begin their political careers early. Lawmakers who enter the House at 25 and complete two four-year terms would be 33 years old—still ineligible to contest for the Senate or governorship under current law.
“This bill seeks to reduce the required age from 35 to 30, maintaining the traditional five-year gap between eligibility for the House and higher offices,” Etim said. “If a member of this House at 25 years spends two terms here, he will be 33 years and still not qualified to go to the Senate or become a governor. I think this Honourable House should look into it.”
Speaker Tajudeen Abbas subsequently put the bill to a voice vote, and lawmakers overwhelmingly supported its passage for second reading.
The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Constitution Review for further legislative action.