Nigerian youths seek abolition of political age limit

A group of nearly 500 youths in Nigeria stormed parliament building on Tuesday to demand amendments to the country’s laws to allow young aspiring Nigerians to vie for elective positions.

The demonstrations dubbed ‘I support #NottooYoungToRun’ movement laid siege at the entrance to the National Assembly to demand audience with the lawmakers on the issue.

“Young people in Nigeria are incredible. We are innovative. We have capacity. And we have been doing a lot in Nollywood in social development and many other aspects,” said Sunday Chibuzor, a youth activist based in Abuja.

“And we have examples of young people who have been appointed into political offices who are doing very well. But what we are saying is if we have enough sense to vote at 18 we should have enough sense to be voted for,” he added.

Nigeria’s 1999 constitution stipulates that the president has to be at least 40, while senators and state governors have to be aged 35 or above.

While addressing the protesters, Senator Dino Melaye, representing members of the upper and lower chambers of parliament, promised protesters the issue had been given careful attention.

If the bid is implemented, this will pave way for youth development who amount to almost 50% of the 182 million population.