Today, President Buharihas signed the Not-Too-Young-To-Run Bill into law. The bill was passed by the National Assembly last year to alter
Sections 65, 106, 131, 177 of the Constitution to reduce the age
qualification for president from 40 to 30; governor from 35 to 30;
senator from 35 to 30; House of Representatives membership from 30 to 25
and State House of Assembly membership from 30 to 25.
During his speech while signing the bill, the president joking said,
‘but please, can I ask you to postpone your campaigns till after the
2019 elections’.
Read his full speech below…
1. First, I would like to welcome you all to the State House. Today
is a significant day for all of us in Nigeria, and most especially our
young people – and role they play in our democracy, politics and
national life.2. We are gathered here for the signing of the “Not Too Young To Run
Bill”, a landmark piece of legislation that was conceived, championed
and accomplished by young Nigerians.3. The coordinators of the Not Too Young To Run movement have now
established a formidable legacy – which is that, in our maturing
democracy, if you really want to change something in Nigeria, and if you
can organise yourselves and work hard towards it – you can achieve it.
The outcome of such efforts is this remarkable feat.4. These efforts have resulted in the heroic task of enshrining in
law, a reduction of the minimum ages for elective office in Nigeria.a. Eligible age for aspirants for members of the State Houses of Assembly will be reduced from 30 to 25 years;
b. Eligible age for aspirants for members of the Federal House of Representatives will be reduced from 30 to 25 years; and
c. Eligible age for aspirants for Office of the President, will be lowered from 40 to 35 years.
5. Surprisingly, the age limits for Senators and Governors was not
reduced, as originally proposed by the sponsors of this Bill. This is an
issue that may need to be addressed going forward.6. Nevertheless, your focus and contributions have now successfully
increased the quality and maturity of Nigerian democracy and expanded
the playing field for youth participation in politics.7. You, the young people of Nigeria, are now set to leave your mark
on the political space, just as you have done over the decades in
entrepreneurship, sports, art, media entertainment, technology, and
several other fields.8. You are undoubtedly Nigeria’s most important resource – not oil,
not agriculture, not solid minerals – but you and all of us. Your
energy, intelligence and talent are what will drive and develop Nigeria,
long after we are all gone.9. This is an opportunity for me to affirm that this Administration
will continue to do everything in its power to make Nigeria work for
you.10. You may all know that the Bill I just assented now becomes an Act of the National Assembly.
11. Thus, it may be tempting for you to think of this as the end of
the journey. However, it is only the beginning; there is still a lot of
work ahead, towards ensuring that young people take full advantage of
the opportunities provided not only by this constitutional amendment,
but also through Nigeria’s boundless prospects.12. You should inculcate the spirit of self help. Those who complete
their training should not just sit down and wait for government or
private sector to employ them. You should be innovative and turn your
hands to any legitimate work that will enable you to sustain yourself.13. You may have noticed already that every one of you represents one
of our 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory. This is because
today is about preparing for the bright future of our country.14. I am confident each one of you will transform Nigeria in your own
way – whether through media, agricultural enterprise, economists,
engineers, or as lawmakers in your States or at Federal levels, or as
State Governors – and even someday, as President. Why not?But please, can I ask you to postpone your campaigns till after the 2019 elections!
15. Finally, let me say how proud I am, and how proud the entire
country is, of what you have accomplished. Congratulations and best of
luck with continuing to work to make Nigeria a greater country for us
and future generations of Nigerians.16. God bless all the young people of Nigeria and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.