The House of Representatives has approved for second reading a bill aimed at preventing individuals over the age of 60 from contesting for the positions of President and Governor in Nigeria.

Should this legislation pass through parliamentary review and be enacted, President Bola Tinubu, ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar, along with the 2023 Labor Party’s presidential nominee, Mr Peter Obi, would not be eligible for the 2027 presidential race due to their ages exceeding sixty years.

Titled ‘An Act to Amend the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 with Respect to Altering Qualifications Required for Individuals Elected as President and Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as Well as Governors and Deputy Governors of States within the Federation and Other Connected Issues’—this bill was introduced by Imo state legislator Ikenga Ugochinyere.

The bill was one of the 31 proposed legislations which scaled second reading during Thursday’s plenary session.

The legislation states that “To be eligible for election as President, an individual must have attained a minimum educational standard of completing university and obtaining aBachelor’s degree in their selected area of expertise.”

Section 131 of the Main Act is revised by adding a clause that states, ‘He must be no older than 60 years when competing for the position of President.’

Section 177(d) of the main act is revised by modifying the educational criteria required for individuals to qualify for election as governor as follows:

A candidate must have attained a minimum educational qualification of a bachelor’s degree from a university in their specific area of interest to be eligible for the presidential election.

“That he is not more than 60 years old at the time of vying for the office of Governor.

A proposed law aimed at providing legislative support for the creation of Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education in Imo State was advanced to the next stage after passing its second reading.

The legislation proposed by Ugochinyere seeks to enhance the stature of the organization by providing it with federal acknowledgment and financial assistance.

The House likewise advanced a bill for a second reading, which aims to amend the Constitution to ensure the compulsory inclusion of young individuals and those living with disabilities in political positions.

This legislation, which has been co-sponsored by the Imo legislator, aims to foster inclusivity and representation within the government.

Similarly, the bill to move trade and commerce to the concurrent legislative list, aimed at enhancing interstate commerce, also scaled second reading during plenary.

When passed into law, the proposed legislation will empower federal and state governments to regulate trade, thus boosting economic activities between and within the two layers of government.

Also considered and approved was the Federal University of Education, Zaria (Establishment) Bill, 2025, sponsored by Speaker Abbas and Plateau lawmaker Yusuf Gagdi.

This bill aims to establish a specialised university focused on teacher education in Zaria. Other education-related bills include the establishment of Yusuf Maitama Sule Federal University of Education in Kano and the University of Nigerian Languages in Aba, among others.

Also approved at the second reading stage is the Reserved Seats for Women in National and State Assemblies Bill, 2025, introduced by Representative Kafilat Ogbara.

This legislation seeks to advance gender inclusivity by setting aside particular parliamentary positions exclusively for women.

The bill titled “Incorporation of Youth and People with Disabilities into Political Appointments,” proposed by Ugochinyere, also advanced to the next stage after passing the second reading.

This legislation seeks to promote increased involvement of underrepresented communities in governmental affairs.

Moreover, judicial reforms are also part of the plan, including proposals like the Justice Delivery Timeline Act, 2025, introduced by Benjamin Kalu, aimed at improving the efficiency of the legal system within the nation.

Another proposal, “The Increase in Number of Supreme Court & Court of Appeal Justices Bill, sponsored by Bello Kaoje, calls for an expansion in the number of justices to improve the efficiency of the judiciary.

The House also deliberated on bills related to the creation of new states, with the Creation of Wan State (North Central) Bill, 2025 and the Creation of Gobir State (North West) Bill, 2025 also passing for second reading.

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