A bill proposing to amend the 1999 Constitution to reduce the minimum age for contesting the offices of Governor and Senator from 35 to 30 years has successfully scaled its second reading in the House of Representatives.
The legislation, 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),” was sponsored by Esin Martin Etim alongside 24 other lawmakers.
Currently, the Nigerian Constitution requires candidates for the Senate and governorship to be at least 35 years old, while aspirants for the House of Representatives may contest from age 25.
Speaking on the floor, Etim, representing Mbo/Okobo/Oron/Udung Uko/Urue Federal Constituency in Akwa Ibom State, argued that the existing age requirement restricts opportunities for young legislators aspiring to higher political offices.
He highlighted that young lawmakers who enter the House at 25 and serve two full four-year terms reach age 33, yet remain ineligible to run for the Senate or governorship, creating a significant gap in political progression.
“The bill seeks to reduce the minimum age from 35 to 30 while maintaining a five-year gap between eligibility for the House of Representatives and higher offices, enabling young legislators to continue their political journey without unnecessary barriers,” Etim explained.
Following the presentation, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas put the bill to a voice vote, and a majority of lawmakers endorsed it for second reading.
The bill has now been referred to the House Committee on Constitution Review for further legislative scrutiny and action.
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