Former President Goodluck Jonathan has called for a reduction in the age requirements for political office holders, urging African countries to prioritise younger leaders for top governance roles.
Jonathan made the call on Thursday in Abuja while speaking at the memorial lecture and leadership conference organised by the Murtala Muhammed Foundation. He argued that individuals between the ages of 25 and 50 are better suited to handle the physical and mental demands of leadership.
“I think we need to bring it lower. If we are looking for people who can run nations in Africa, we should look at the age within 25 and 50,” he said, adding that leaders within that range tend to be more energetic, resilient, and capable of handling long hours of decision-making.
The former president referenced the late Head of State, Murtala Muhammed, who assumed power at 38 and implemented major reforms within a short period, as an example of the impact younger leaders can have.
Jonathan also questioned current constitutional thresholds that require candidates to be at least 40 years old for offices such as governor or senator, noting that the pressures of leadership can be overwhelming for older individuals. He further criticised governance patterns in which some state governors spend extended periods away from their states, warning that such practices contribute to ongoing security and development challenges.