The push for greater youth participation in Nigeria’s political leadership recorded a significant milestone today as the House of Representatives passed for Second Reading a bill seeking to reduce the minimum age for election into the Senate and the Office of Governor from 35 to 30 years.
The proposal, sponsored by Rep. Martins Esin (Oron/Mbo/Okobo/Udung Uko/Urueoffong Oruko Federal Constituency), received unanimous support from lawmakers during plenary. Esin, who led 24 co-sponsors, argued that the amendment would further open Nigeria’s political space to young leaders and consolidate the gains of previous constitutional reforms, including the Not-Too-Young-To-Run Act.
According to him, many young Nigerians already serve as lawmakers from age 25, yet remain ineligible to vie for higher offices despite their growing experience and demonstrated capacity. “This amendment seeks to ensure that young Nigerians who have served diligently are not shut out from higher responsibilities,” he said, emphasizing that expanding leadership opportunities strengthens democracy and ensures generational inclusion.
Following its successful Second Reading, the bill has been referred to the House Committee on Constitution Review for further legislative action.
Rep. Esin, who also chairs the House Committee on Youth Development, reaffirmed the commitment of the 10th National Assembly to promoting youth empowerment and ensuring that governance spaces remain accessible to all segments of society.
If eventually adopted, the amendment would mark another landmark step in Nigeria’s efforts to broaden civic participation and nurture a new generation of political leaders.
Chief Edet Isong, Okete Okete Oro. Newsday