Outrage as Lawmakers Push Bill to Disqualify Tinubu, Atiku, Peter Obi in 2027

The House of Representatives’ recent decision to set age restrictions for Nigerian president and governor positions has been sharply criticized by the PDP, the Social Democratic Party, and the Coalition of United Political Parties.
People above 60 should not be allowed to run for the nation’s governorship or presidency, according to the measure, which passed its second reading on Thursday. Because they are all older than 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.
The PDP attacked the bill as a misaligned priority, claiming that MPs were ignoring more important issues in favor of pointless pursuits. Nigeria’s primary governance issues—corruption, incapacity, and a lack of patriotism—are not age-related, the party stressed.
The MPs were criticized by Timothy Osadolor, the deputy national youth leader for the PDP, who referred to them as “the most irresponsible in Nigeria History.”

Speaking, he maintained that the corruption and ineptitude afflicting the nation are the real problems, not aging.

“Our current issue is not one of age or birthdate,” he said. We are dealing with a lack of capacity and incompetence. The issue we are facing is corruption.

In addition, Osadolor mentioned additional nations with effective leaders over 60, like Singapore and India.

He went on to say, “Age is not a factor,” stressing that increasing age offers wisdom and shouldn’t be a hindrance to leadership. He also attacked the MPs for ignoring the true problems affecting Nigeria in favor of concentrating on trivial matters.

The idea that age determines leadership quality was also denied by Mark Adebayo, the National Publicity Secretary for the CUPP.

He emphasized that Nigeria’s governance is plagued by corruption, ineptitude, and a lack of patriotism.

He cited Singapore’s former leader, Lee Kuan Yew, and U.S. President Joe Biden, who is in his late 70s, to emphasize that leadership skills are not limited by age.

“It’s about personality, competence, education, exposure, and patriotism,” Adebayo stated, contending that a leader’s efficacy is determined by these attributes rather than age.

While acknowledging that age might have an impact on governance, SDP National Publicity Secretary Rufus Aiyenigba emphasized that experience, values, and competence are all important factors in leadership.

In order to assess presidential candidates’ emotional and intellectual prowess, he suggested requiring them to participate in live debates.

“The quality a person is bringing is what matters,” Aiyenigba said, implying that public discussions will enable voters to evaluate candidates’ qualifications and vision.

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In her closing remarks, Aiyenigba emphasized the importance of a well-rounded leadership style that incorporates both youthful vigor and expertise.

He maintained that rather than merely needing people who fit predetermined age limits, the position of governance requires people who have been tried and tested.