Political Parties Slam House Move To Cap Presidential Age At 60

Parties Speak Out Against Age Limits for Presidential and Governorial Candidates

You know what’s happening in Nigeria right now? The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) are raising their voices against a controversial move by the House of Representatives. The lawmakers are trying to set an age cap of 60 for anyone running for president or governor. That’s right—no one older than 60 would be allowed to throw their hat into the ring.

This proposed bill passed its second reading on Thursday, and if it becomes law, some familiar faces in Nigerian politics might not be eligible for the 2027 elections. We're talking about President Bola Tinubu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and 2023 Labour Party candidate Peter Obi. All of them are over 60, so they'd be out of the game. Now, the political parties are speaking up, saying this isn’t the right move for Nigeria.

PDP: Lawmakers Are Focused on the Wrong Things

The PDP isn’t holding back. They’ve called this bill a misplaced priority, accusing lawmakers of focusing on trivial matters while ignoring the real issues facing the country. According to the PDP, Nigeria’s biggest challenges—like corruption, incompetence, and a lack of patriotism—aren’t tied to age. It’s not about how old someone is; it’s about what they bring to the table.

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Timothy Osadolor, the PDP’s Deputy National Youth Leader, is particularly fired up. He’s calling these lawmakers “the most irresponsible in Nigeria’s history.” Osadolor told The PUNCH that the real problem isn’t age—it’s incompetence and corruption. He pointed out that leaders in other countries, like India and Singapore, have proven that age isn’t a barrier to success. In fact, age often brings wisdom, and it shouldn’t be a reason to exclude someone from leadership.

CUPP: Leadership Quality Isn’t Defined by Age

Mark Adebayo, CUPP’s National Publicity Secretary, agrees that leadership quality isn’t determined by age. He emphasized that the issues in Nigeria’s governance are corruption, incompetence, and a lack of patriotism—not how old someone is. Adebayo referenced U.S. President Joe Biden, who’s in his late 70s, and Singapore’s former leader, Lee Kuan Yew, to prove that age isn’t a barrier to effective leadership.

“It’s about personality, competence, education, exposure, and patriotism,” Adebayo said. These are the qualities that matter when it comes to leadership, not someone’s age. He’s making a strong case for focusing on the right things—things that actually matter for the future of Nigeria.

SDP: Debates Could Be the Answer

Rufus Aiyenigba, the SDP’s National Publicity Secretary, acknowledges that age can play a role in governance, but he also stresses that leadership is about more than just age. It’s about experience, values, and competence. Aiyenigba proposed a solution: mandatory live debates for presidential candidates. This way, voters can see for themselves what candidates bring to the table—intellectually and emotionally.

“What is important is the quality a person is bringing,” Aiyenigba told The PUNCH. He believes that public debates would allow voters to assess candidates’ vision and fitness for office. Aiyenigba also emphasized the need for a balanced approach to leadership, combining youthful energy with the wisdom that comes with experience. Governance, he argued, is a role that requires individuals who have been tested and prepared—not just those who meet arbitrary age requirements.

So, where does this leave us? The debate is ongoing, and it’s clear that Nigeria’s political landscape is heating up. The question remains: Should age be a factor in who gets to lead the country? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure—this is a conversation that won’t be forgotten anytime soon.

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