The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) have strongly criticized the House of Representatives’ proposed 60-year age limit for presidential and gubernatorial candidates, calling it misplaced and unnecessary.
The bill, which passed its second reading on Thursday, aims to bar individuals above 60 from contesting for President or Governor in Nigeria. If signed into law, it would disqualify key political figures, including President Bola Tinubu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and Labour Party’s Peter Obi, from contesting in the 2027 elections.
PDP Slams Lawmakers: ‘Irresponsible and Out of Touch’
The PDP dismissed the bill as a distraction from real governance issues, arguing that Nigeria’s challenges stem from corruption, incompetence, and poor leadership—not age.
PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, called the proposal a “joke”, labeling the current National Assembly as “the most unserious in Nigeria’s history.”
“The problem we have today is not about age. The problem is incompetence, corruption, and lack of capacity. Instead of focusing on real issues, lawmakers are majoring in the minor and minoring in the major.”
He referenced countries like India, Singapore, and the United States, where leaders over 60 have transformed their nations, arguing that wisdom comes with age.
CUPP: ‘Nigeria’s Problem Is Corruption, Not Age’
The CUPP also rejected the bill, stating that good governance is about competence, not age.
CUPP National Publicity Secretary, Mark Adebayo, argued:
“Even if these leaders were in their thirties, they would still behave the same way—or even worse. Nigeria’s problem is not age but corrupt, opportunistic, and incompetent leadership.”
Adebayo pointed to US President Joe Biden (81) and Singapore’s founding leader, Lee Kuan Yew, as examples of elderly leaders with strong governance records, adding:
“Why aren’t Americans debating Biden’s age? Because leadership isn’t about years—it’s about vision, competence, and patriotism.”
SDP Calls for Leadership Assessments Over Age Limits
While acknowledging the importance of youth in governance, SDP National Publicity Secretary, Rufus Aiyenigba, maintained that leadership requires experience and values.
“Governance is not an entry-level job. Age alone does not determine success—we need tested and competent leaders.”
He proposed mandatory live debates for presidential candidates, allowing Nigerians to judge their intelligence, vision, and fitness for leadership.
What’s Next for the Bill?
The bill, sponsored by Rep. Ikenga Ugochinyere (Ideato North/South, Imo State), seeks to amend Sections 131 and 177 of the 1999 Constitution to impose the 60-year limit and a mandatory university degree for presidential and gubernatorial candidates.
While the House of Representatives has advanced the bill, growing resistance from major opposition parties, civil society groups, and political analysts suggests it faces an uphill battle before becoming law.
