The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) have strongly opposed a bill requesting to impose a 60-year age limit for presidential and gubernatorial candidates in Nigeria. The bill was sponsored by Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere and has passed its second reading in the House of Representatives on Thursday. If enacted, it would bar notable figures like President Bola Tinubu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s 2023 candidate, Peter Obi from contesting in 2027.
Criticizing the proposal, the PDP labeled it a misplaced priority—accusing lawmakers of disregarding pressing national issues. PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor criticized the bill and described it an embarrassment—arguing that governance challenges stem from corruption, incompetence and a lack of patriotism; not age. Similarly, CUPP spokesperson Mark Adebayo rejected the notion that leadership quality is age-dependent—referencing global examples such as former U.S. President Joe Biden and Singapore’s Lee Kuan Yew to stress experience over age.
While acknowledging the importance of youth in governance, SDP National Publicity Secretary Rufus Aiyenigba emphasized the need for competence, experience and structured assessments like live presidential debates to gauge leadership capacity.
