by A bill aimed at amending the 1999 Constitution to modify the educational qualifications for certain political offices has been set aside by the House of Representatives.
Proposed by Adewunmi Onanuga, the legislation sought to establish a minimum educational requirement for candidates contesting governorship, presidential, and other significant elective positions in the country.
During Tuesday’s plenary session, Onanuga, representing Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency, Ogun State, argued for amending the constitution to mandate that elective office holders hold at least a university degree, in contrast to the current provision allowing candidates with a First School Leaving Certificate to run for the highest office in the nation.
While the bill garnered support from lawmakers like House Leader Julius Ihonvbere, Babajimi Benson, Kingsley Chinda, and others, it faced opposition from Aliyu Madaki, a lawmaker from Kano State, and Ahmadu Jaha (APC, Borno), among others.
Disheartened by the resistance, Onanuga decided to withdraw the bill temporarily, expressing her intention to engage in further lobbying efforts with her colleagues before reintroducing it on the House floor at a later date.
More details to follow…
