Bill to reduce age of candidates for President, Governor and Senators pass second reading

A Bill sponsored by Tony chinedu Nwulu of the Oshodi-Isolo 11 consistuency of Lagos has passed its second reading.

The Bill sought to reduce the age of candidates contesting for major roles like the Presideny, Governor and senate to 30 years instead of the initial 40 years for President and 35 years for Senate and Governors.

He stated:  
 “Countries like the United Kingdom parliament decided in 2006 to lower their age of candidacy from 21 to 18, which had existed since the Parliamentary Elections Act 1695.

An age candidacy of 25 would encourage greater youth participation in politics
.” Nwulu stated that many countries world wide had called for a reduction in age qualification into elected offices, adding  that the bill was a demonstration of the growing desire and demand of youths to participate in the democratic process. 

According to him, “this desire itself could be viewed as a sufficient warrant for young people to participate, demonstrate a willingness to engage and fulfill the burdens of office.” On the Independent candidacy, he stressed the need to open up the space for lawmakers to come in as independent candidates. 

He said:  “It is pertinent now to amend the constitution to make room for independent candidates to widen the democratic processes in our elections, and above all to encourage our young ones to fully participate in all elective offices.”

This is very impressive and it will encourage greater participation of youths in Politics and who knows, Maybe this is actually the solution to the problems facing the Country Nigeria.