A bill currently before the Nigerian House of Representatives may prevent President Bola Tinubu, former presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, and several other politicians from contesting the 2027 elections. The bill, which seeks to stop individuals over 60 years old from vying for the offices of President and Governor, has passed its second reading.

If the bill, one of 31 proposed legislations currently under consideration, is approved and signed into law, it will set new eligibility criteria for presidential and gubernatorial candidates. Specifically, it will mandate that no candidate for these positions can be older than 60 years at the time of contesting.

The bill, introduced by Rep. Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere, also proposes amendments to the 1999 Nigerian Constitution to include additional qualifications for presidential candidates. Among the requirements, the bill states that presidential candidates must possess a university degree and a Bachelor’s degree in their field of study.

In addition to this, the House of Representatives passed several other significant bills for second reading, including the establishment of Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education in Imo State and a bill for the creation of Ideato West Local Government Area to promote better administrative and developmental efforts.

Another key bill passed aims to mandate the inclusion of youth and persons with disabilities in political appointments, ensuring greater inclusivity in governance. Similarly, the House also approved a bill proposing to move trade and commerce issues to the concurrent legislative list, allowing for more local involvement in the sector.

These bills, if enacted, could significantly reshape Nigeria’s political landscape and ensure broader participation in governance.