House of Representatives advances bill to lower age for Senate and governorship, opening opportunities for young Nigerians in elective offices

The House of Representatives has taken steps to lower the age for Senate and governorship positions, in a move aimed at empowering young Nigerian leaders.

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The House passed the Constitution Amendment Bill for a second reading, which seeks to reduce the age for eligibility for higher elective offices.

The bill, sponsored by Martin Esin Etim and 24 other lawmakers, proposes reducing the age requirement from 35 to 30 for candidates aspiring to the Senate or governorship.

Currently, the Constitution sets the minimum age at 35 for these positions, while candidates for the House of Representatives must be at least 25.

Speaking on the principle of the bill, Etim, who represents Offong/Oruko/Udung Uko Federal Constituency in Akwa Ibom State, argued that the current age threshold limits political advancement for young Nigerians.

He explained that many lawmakers begin their political careers in the House at 25, and even after serving two four-year terms, they remain ineligible for the Senate or governorship positions.

“If a member of this House at 25 years spends two terms in the House of Representatives, he will be 33 years and still not qualified to go to the Senate or to become a governor,” Etim said.

The proposed bill maintains a five-year gap between eligibility for the House and higher offices, ensuring a progressive path for young legislators while opening opportunities for leadership at state and national levels.

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The move aligns with growing calls for youth inclusion in Nigerian politics and reflects efforts by the National Assembly to make the political process more accessible to emerging leaders.