Labour Party chieftains have called on members of the National Assembly to pass a bill that would impose age restrictions on politicians seeking presidential, governorship, and other elective positions ahead of the 2027 elections.
The party’s National Youth Leader, Kennedy Ahanotu, and LP lawmaker Benedict Etanabene made the demand during the 2024 Annual Meeting and National Youth Conference held in Abuja
Ahanotu, addressing attendees including LP National Chairman Julius Abure and other party members, emphasized the need for legislation that would set retirement limits for politicians.
He argued that the system should bar candidates over 70 from contesting elections, comparing it to the retirement age in the civil service, where individuals above 70 are no longer deemed fit for service
He expressed concern that older politicians occupy positions that could better suit younger generations, stifling opportunities for youth leadership
Ahanotu highlighted the example of young leaders in other nations, such as the 40-year-old president of Senegal and the 40-year-old president of France, pointing out that countries like Nigeria could also benefit from empowering younger leaders.
Ahanotu further questioned the inconsistency in Nigeria’s leadership criteria, where people consider youth unqualified for important roles despite telling them they are the nation’s future leaders. He argued for a change that would allow younger Nigerians to take on leadership positions at an earlier age, ensuring older generations do not continuously sideline them.
CREDIT: Allneeds, THE PUNCH
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