Ondo Coordinator Of The #nottooyoungtorun Bill Campaign Call For The Support Of All Democrats

The #nottooyoungtorun Bill is a bill that seeks the down cut of the constitutional age requirement for running  for elective posts in Nigeria. The bill tag; #nottooyoungtorun was sponsored by Hon. Tony Nwulu  of Oshodi/Isolo federal constituency, the Bill call for the reduction of the age for the office of the President from 40years old to 30years old; Governor, Senate and House of Representative from 35 to 25 years old while House of Assembly from 30 to 25years old.

The Bill also seeks to mainstream independent candidacy into Nigeria`s electoral laws in order to strengthen and increase competitiveness of political process.

Jonathan Obatola of the Youthagrowinitiative and the Ondo state coordinator of the #nottooyoungtorun Bill Campaign emphasized that the Bill is not only for the youths but a plus to the promotion and development of our nascent democracy.

Speaking during a media engagement at Akure the Ondo state capital, he said; like I have said at different fora, the #nottooyoungtorun campaign belongs to all democrats who support participatory and inclusive democracy. Just as the effort to increase women participation in politics cannot be left for women alone, the advocacy for the #nottooyoungtorun Bill should be a collective responsibility. Irrespective of age, political party or religious affiliation and status, you are not too old to support the #nottooyoungtorun Bill.

However, Mr. Jonathan made it known that a national Solidarity walk is scheduled for 30th of march, and call all youths of the state to join the solidarity walk to the state House of Assembly where lawmakers will be engaged on reasons to support and promote the bill.

Success of the Bill in Nigeria will be boosts to the status of youths globally as research reveal that about 51% of the world population is under the age of 30 but less than 2% of them are engaged as parliament globally, less than 5% are engaged in governance. It is therefore important that the Nigerian youths put their weight behind the bill in order to ensure a true and participatory democracy