Senate Authorizes Not Too Young To Run Bill

The Nigeria Senate on Wednesday, 26th July 2017, passes the Not Too Young To Run bill. The much-anticipated bill seeks for age reduction of electoral offices. After a vote in which 86 senators showed their support, 10 were against it, while 1 Senator sustained. The bill is to promote and encourage the participation of Youths in the political process of the nation. The bill that garnered a lot of international and local political support is an alteration of sections 65,106,131,177 of the 1999 Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended). They have also approved the independent candidacy. 82 senators also approved the Independent candidature that allows for a person to contest without being a member of a political party The Bill seeks to strengthen and increase the effectiveness of the political process. Nigerian youths can contest for Presidency at the age of 35, and Governors or Senators at the age of 30. It also specifies that a 25-year-old can now legislate in the National and State House of Assemblies. However, for it to be effective, it needs the assent of the State Assemblies and the Presidency. This historical landmark came as a result of a movement that swept the whole nation. It is a movement that started with the #NotTooYoungToRun, where Nigerian youths expressed their opinions of being involved in the political process. They believe that if they can be old enough to garner votes from, they also can be old enough to be voted for.

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This article was first published on 27th July 2017

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