Public Outrage as Lawmakers Push Bill Against Tinubu, Atiku, Obi’s 2027 Ambitions
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Social Democratic Party (SDP), and the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) have all severely denounced the House of Representatives’ recent decision to set age restrictions for Nigerian governor and president positions.
The law, which passed its second reading Thursday, suggests that those over 60 should not be allowed to run for the nation’s governorship or presidency. As they are all over 60, leaders like President Bola Tinubu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, will not be eligible to run for president in 2027 if the measure is adopted and signed into law.
Accusing parliamentarians of concentrating on unimportant problems while ignoring more urgent ones, the PDP attacked the bill as a misplaced priority. According to the party, age has little to do with Nigeria’s primary governance issues, which include incompetence, corruption, and a lack of patriotism.
Timothy Osadolor, the deputy national youth leader for the PDP, attacked the MPs, referring to them as “the most irresponsible in Nigeria’s history.”
Speaking, he made the case that the corruption and ineptitude afflicting the nation, not age, are the real problem.
“Our issue today is not one of age or birthdate,” he said. Our issue is one of incapacity and incompetence. Our issue is corruption.
Osadolor also mentioned other nations with effective leaders beyond 60, such Singapore and India.
He continued, “Age is not a factor,” stressing that leadership should not be impeded by age but rather that it offers wisdom. He also attacked the lawmakers for overlooking the true problems facing Nigeria in favor of concentrating on trivial matters.
Mark Adebayo, the National Publicity Secretary of the CUPP, also disagreed with the idea that age determines a leader’s effectiveness.
He emphasized that the primary problems with Nigerian governance are ineptitude, corruption, and a lack of patriotism.
He emphasized that age is not a barrier to effective leadership by citing Singapore’s former leader, Lee Kuan Yew, and U.S. President Joe Biden, who is in his late 70s.
Adebayo stated, “It’s about personality, competence, education, exposure, and patriotism,” contending that a leader’s efficacy is determined by these attributes rather than age.
Rufus Aiyenigba, SDP National Publicity Secretary, admitted that age might influence governance, but emphasized that skill, experience, and ideals are also important factors in leadership.
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To assess presidential candidates’ emotional and intellectual prowess, he suggested requiring them to participate in live debates.
“What is important is the quality a person is bringing,” Aiyenigba told, suggesting that public debates would allow voters to assess candidates’ vision and fitness for office.
Aiyenigba concluded by emphasizing the need for a balanced approach to leadership, combining youthful energy with experience.
He argued that governance is a role requiring individuals who have been tested and prepared, not just those who meet arbitrary age requirements.
