The House of Representatives on Tuesday passed a bill for second reading that seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution by lowering the minimum age 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 alongside 24 other lawmakers.
Under current law, candidates for the Senate and governorship must be at least 35 years old, while those running for the House of Representatives can contest from age 25.
Leading the debate, Etim, representing Offong/Oruko/Udung Uko Federal Constituency in Akwa Ibom State, argued that the existing age limits hinder young Nigerians from advancing in politics and limit leadership opportunities.
He noted that the 10-year age gap between eligibility for the House and higher offices creates a barrier for young legislators. Lawmakers who begin their political careers at 25 and serve two four-year terms would still be 33, making them ineligible for Senate or governorship under the current rules.
“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 explained. “If a member of this House starts at 25 and completes two terms, they will be 33 and still not qualified for the Senate or to be a governor. I believe this Honourable House should address this.”
Speaker Tajudeen Abbas then put the bill to a voice vote, with lawmakers overwhelmingly approving it for second reading.
The bill has now been referred to the House Committee on Constitution Review for further legislative consideration.
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