Reps Reject Bill To Put 70 Years Age Limit For President, 65 For Lawmakers

The House of Representatives on Wednesday rejected the bill to amend the constitution to put an age limit on some political offices.

A lawmaker from Imo State, Bede Eke, had prayed to put a cap of 70years for anyone running for the office of the President and 65years for the National Assembly.

Members of the House, however, rejected the bill before the sponsor could even debate the bill.

The Speaker of the House, Femi Gbajabiamila, had to intervene and give the lawmaker the chance to debate the bill.

Eke while speaking on the bill noted that it would give a chance for the Not Too Young To Run law. He explained that old people are occupying the space for young people.

“We had some challenges recently with the Endsars protests, and we are aware of their demands. Our youths will celebrate this house if we should pass this bill.”

“You cannot talk about Not Too Young To Run when people are occupying the places.”

The minority leader, Ndudi Elumelu, who opposed the bill described it as discriminatory, he added that it is inconsistent with section 42 of the 1999 constitution.

Hon. Uzoma Abonta who also spoke against the bill said instead of putting a limit, the age bracket should be expanded to accommodate more people by reducing the age to contest to 23years. He, therefore, advised the sponsor of the bill to either step it down or it will be voted on.

Jimoh Babajide and Ahmed Jaha also advised the sponsor to withdraw the bill.

Consequently, the sponsor of the bill withdrew the bill