PoliticsNot Too Young To Run: I Am No Longer Eligible To Run For Governor At The Age of 32 – Obinna Nwosu

ABA — Obinna Nwosu, a young and vibrant Abia State governorship aspirant has publicly announced his withdrawal from the governorship race.

In a statement shared via his Twitter account, Mr. Nwosu, a member of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, said he is stepping down as a governorship candidate in the forthcoming 2023 general elections.

The 32-year-old aspirant said his decision to step down was informed by an alteration in the Not Too Young To Run Bill.

Recall that in May 2018, the Nigerian legislature passed a constitutional amendment bill that reduces the age of qualification for running for president from 40 years to 35 years and, for governorship positions, from 35 years to 30 years. It also permits candidates of 25 years and older to run for office in National and State Assemblies across the country.

Dubbed the “Not Too Young to Run” bill, the move was intended to reflect the changing demographics of Africa’s most populous nation and help usher in younger leaders.

This was a remarkable achievement for young people in the country, as it means that they had opportunities for representation that were not previously possible.

In a statement on social media, however, Obinna Nwosu informed Nigerians generally, and the people of Abia State particularly of his decision to withdraw from the Abia state gubernatorial race.

According to him, “My attention has been drawn to the fact that due to an alteration in the NOT TOO YOUNG BILL, I am no longer eligible to run for governor at the age of 32. Remember that the bill’s goal was to lower the age requirement for all office-seekers (presidency from 40 to 35, governorship and Senate from 35 to 30, House of Representatives, and House of Assembly from 30 to 25).

“Millions of Nigerians, particularly young people, rejoiced when Mr. President signed the bill into law. However, the governorship age requirement was questionably altered and retained at 35 years.”