It's been over eight years since Nigeria's Not Too Young To Run Act was signed into law, aiming to increase youth participation in politics. The 2017 law reduced the minimum age for presidential candidates from 40 to 35 and for the House of Representatives and State Houses of Assembly from 30 to 25. However, the age threshold for governors and senators remained at 35. The reform was a significant step, but its impact on youth participation has been limited.
The Not Too Young To Run campaign was launched in May 2016, with the goal of removing age barriers to political participation. The campaign led to a constitutional amendment, which was signed into law by former President Muhammadu Buhari on May 31, 2018. The amendment affected three principal provisions: Section 65(1)(b), Section 106(b), and Section 131(b). These changes enabled younger Nigerians to run for certain offices, but the original campaign's ambition for a more extensive reduction in age thresholds was not achieved.
The current constitutional thresholds for elective offices in Nigeria are: President – 35, Governor – 35, Senator – 35, House of Representatives – 25, and State House of Assembly – 25. While these thresholds are lower than before, they still pose a challenge for many young Nigerians who aspire to enter politics. The reform primarily addressed eligibility, but did not guarantee access to political office or compel parties to nominate young candidates.
As Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections, the question remains whether the constitutional opening created in 2018 has translated into meaningful opportunities for younger Nigerians. The emerging candidate profile suggests a complicated answer. In the 2027 presidential field, only one candidate meets the new constitutional minimum age of 35, while others are significantly older. This illustrates the limits of the 2018 reform and the distance between constitutional inclusion and actual political renewal.
The governorship field also presents a similar dimension. With governorship elections scheduled in 28 states in 2027, established politicians are emerging as candidates, underscoring the continuing influence of an older political generation. However, their age is not the issue; the real question is whether younger Nigerians have acquired comparable access to the political structures through which candidates emerge.
The barriers to youth participation in politics go beyond age. The internal workings of Nigerian political parties pose significant obstacles. The constitutional amendment changed the age barrier, but did not address other challenges that prevent young Nigerians from entering politics. These challenges include limited access to party structures, lack of mentorship, and inadequate funding.
As Nigeria continues to navigate its democratic journey, the Not Too Young To Run reform serves as a reminder of the progress made and the work still to be done. To achieve meaningful youth participation in politics, stakeholders must address the systemic barriers that prevent young Nigerians from accessing political office. This will require a concerted effort from government, political parties, and civil society organizations to create a more inclusive and representative political landscape.
Key points
- The Not Too Young To Run Act has not led to a significant increase in youth participation in Nigerian politics.
- The age threshold for governors and senators remains 35, limiting opportunities for younger Nigerians.
- Systemic barriers beyond age, including limited access to party structures and inadequate funding, prevent young Nigerians from entering politics.
