The Nigerian House of Representatives has rejected a bill seeking to amend the constitution to put an age limit on some elective posts in the country.
The bill, sponsored by Bede Eke from Imo State, sought to put a cap of 70years for anyone running for the office of the President and 65years for the National Assembly.
House-of-RepsHowever, members of the House rejected the bill before the sponsor could even debate it.
Leading the debate, Eke said the bill intended to create a buffer zone for the “Not Too Young to Run” law.
Opposing the bill, the minority leader, Ndudi Elumelu said the bill was discriminatory, adding that it was inconsistent with section 42 of the 1999 constitution.
Also speaking against the bill, Uzoma Abonta said instead of putting a limit, the age bracket should be expanded to accommodate more people by reducing the age to contest to 23years.
He, therefore, advised the sponsor of the bill to either step it down or it would be voted on.
Consequently, Eke withdrew the bill.
