Labour Party Urges National Assembly to Limit Politicians Over 70 from Contesting Elections; Give Reasons
The leadership of the Labour Party (LP) on Wednesday called on the National Assembly to consider enacting legislation that would prevent politicians aged 70 and above from running for key political offices in the upcoming 2027 elections. The proposal was made by Kennedy Ahanotu, the LP’s National Youth Leader, alongside Benedict Etanabene, the party’s representative for Okpe/Sapele/Uvwie Federal Constituency, during the 2024 Annual Meeting and National Youth Conference in Abuja.
The event, attended by the reinstated LP National Chairman, Julius Abure, National Secretary, Umar Farouk, state youth leaders, and other national delegates, provided a platform for discussing key political reforms.
Ahanotu, speaking to journalists in Abuja, emphasized the need for lawmakers to set a retirement age for elected officials, including the president and governors. He argued that individuals aged 70 and older should not be eligible to hold public office, much like civil servants who are required to retire at a certain age.
He remarked, “At 70, politicians should not be contesting elections, just as civil servants are expected to retire at this age. This would free up leadership roles for younger generations to take on national responsibilities.”
Ahanotu also pointed out the lack of a retirement age for the President, who holds significant authority over the nation’s resources. He referenced younger leaders in countries like France and Senegal, where presidents have taken office in their 40s, questioning why Nigeria’s leaders have not embraced similar reforms.
He expressed frustration, stating, “Why are we told we are the future leaders when we are denied opportunities at every stage? At 30, we are too young to be commissioners, at 40, we are not fit for the House of Representatives, and at 50, we are considered too inexperienced to be governors. Who has placed these barriers on us?”
Additionally, Ahanotu urged President Bola Tinubu to send an executive bill to the National Assembly that would make the use of BVAS (Bimodal Voter Accreditation System) and the electronic transmission of election results legally binding in future elections.
Echoing these sentiments, Etanabene expressed concern about the impact of older leaders on the nation’s economy and productivity. He argued that individuals in their 70s, often in the later stages of their careers, may not be as effective in leadership roles.
“The reality is that leaders in their 70s are often at an age where their capacity to contribute significantly diminishes,” Etanabene stated. “This is evident in the lack of engagement with ongoing projects and insufficient oversight. We need to bring in leaders with the energy and vision to drive progress.”
Etanabene further stressed that, by promoting younger candidates like those endorsed by the LP in the 2023 elections, Nigeria could potentially revive its faltering economy. “The future of Nigeria lies with the younger generation, not those already past their prime. If we continue to place retirees in positions of leadership, we will only see more stagnation.”
Both leaders concluded by advocating for political reform that would empower younger, more dynamic individuals to take on leadership roles and address the pressing challenges facing the country.
