‘Not Too Young To Run’ movement demands reduction of age qualification for gov, senator

The ‘Not Too Young To Run’ movement has asked the national assembly to review its vote on the age qualification for governors and senators.

On Thursday, President Muhammadu Buhari signed the bill seeking to reduce age qualification to hold elective office in the country.

The bill had sought to reduce the age qualification for the office of the president from 40 to 30 years; age for the office of a state governor from 35 to 30; senate from 35 to 30; house of representatives, from 30 to 25; and state house of assembly, from 30 to 25.

However, the national assembly retained age qualification for senator and governor at 35.

Emmannuel Njoku, speaking on behalf of 54 groups which make up the movement, said it is “unfortunate and disappointing” that age qualification for the office of governor and senator was not reduced.

“The movement maintains that the retention of the 35 years for both governor and senate positions is unfortunate and disappointing. The national assembly should revisit its vote on the age qualification for both offices,” Njoku said at a press conference on Friday.

“As we prepare for the 2019 general election, the imperative for youth inclusion especially as candidates for all elective positions is not a matter for debate but an imperative.

“To the political class, If you want the youth vote, reserve tickets for youth aspirants; uphold internal party democracy to safeguard the emergence of more youth candidates and most importantly commit to non-violent elections.

“The movement notes that signing this bill into law is not sufficient to guarantee youth representation in political office. It will require reducing the cost of politics, democratic primaries within political parties, affirmative action/quotas and most importantly credible and peaceful elections.

“The movement therefore makes the following demands – the national assembly should review its vote on the age qualification for the senate and governors. This review should be in tandem with the proposal by the movement.

“Political parties should reserve 50 percent of party tickets for capable, competent, and morally upright youth aspirants across all elections in 2019. Expedite action on assenting to electoral reform bills bordering on limiting campaign expenditure and cost of securing party nomination. Uphold the principles of transparency, democracy and accountability in party primaries.”

He said movement will retain its identity and be non-partisan.

“The movement will not be transiting into a political party. We enjoin youth across the country to take up the challenge to serve our great country Nigeria,” Njoku said.