Bill raising the minimum requirement for all candidates to first degree passes second reading

MEMBERS of the House of Representatives have voted in favour of a bill that will raise the threshold for those wanting to stand in Nigerian executive and legislative elections to a level whereby candidates must have a minimum of a first degree.

Earlier today, the bill raising the threshold from the current secondary school leaving certificate passed it second reading in the House. If this bill gets to become law, it will disqualify candidates like Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, who do not have university degrees from standing in the 2023 elections.

Under the terms of the bill being debated, to contest for presidential, federal and state legislature and governorship seats, a candidate will need a minimum of a university degree. The bill, sponsored by Hon Oriyomi Onanuga, seeks to amend sections 66, 106, 131 and 171 of the 1999 constitution as amended.

This proposed bill, if passed, means that lawmakers, governors and presidents must have a minimum qualification of a bachelors degree, a Higher National Diploma, a Nigeria Defence Academy certificate or their equivalents. This would disqualify former vice president Alhaji Atiku Abubakar for instance as at the last general elections, he presented a diploma as his highest qualification.

Earlier today, the House debated the general principle of the bill after voting in favour, sent it to the Committee on Constitution Amendment. After returning from committee stage, the finalised bill will then need to be voted on before being sent to the senate for ratification, after which it will go to President Muhammadu Buhari for assent.