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In a move that has ignited widespread criticism and debate, Nigeria's House of Representatives recently advanced a bill proposing age limits for presidential and gubernatorial candidates. If enacted, the legislation would bar individuals over 60 from contesting these offices, directly impacting several key figures in Nigerian politics.
The proposed legislation, which successfully passed its second reading on Thursday, targets veteran politicians, including current President Bola Tinubu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, all of whom are over 60.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) vocally opposed the bill, labelling it an "irresponsible" distraction from more urgent national issues. "This bill is not just misplaced but represents a profound lack of focus by our lawmakers on the real issues of corruption, incompetence, and lack of patriotism that plague our governance," remarked PDP Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor during an interview with The PUNCH.
Osadolor dismissed age as a determinant of leadership capability, citing global examples such as U.S. President Joe Biden and Singapore’s former leader Lee Kuan Yew, who led their countries effectively well into their seventies. "Wisdom, borne from experience, is vital for leadership. Age, therefore, should not be the yardstick for eligibility," he added.
Echoing similar sentiments, Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) National Publicity Secretary Mark Adebayo argued that leadership quality hinges on traits like personality, competence, education, exposure, and patriotism rather than mere age.
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) also weighed in, with National Publicity Secretary Rufus Aiyenigba suggesting an alternative measure to assess candidates' capabilities. "We advocate for mandatory live debates for presidential hopefuls, allowing voters to evaluate their intellectual and emotional suitability for office," Aiyenigba proposed.
This bill's progression through legislative channels has stirred significant controversy, raising questions about the criteria for political candidacy and the broader implications for Nigeria's democratic processes. As the debate continues, the political landscape remains tensely poised for further developments.
For more on this developing story, stay tuned to Rocketparrot News.
