The African Centre for Democracy and Governance (ACDG) has expressed strong opposition to the recent bill introduced by the National Assembly, which proposes to set a national age limit for presidential candidates and consolidate the country's general elections into a single day.
The bill, which is currently under review, suggests an age cap for presidential candidates and proposes that general elections, currently held over multiple days, be streamlined into one single day. The ACDG, a prominent organization advocating for democratic governance and political inclusion across Africa, has labeled the bill as a direct threat to the democratic process, voter participation, and political fairness.
In a statement released today, the Centre argued that setting arbitrary age limits for presidential candidates undermines the democratic principle of political freedom, where citizens should have the right to elect and be elected regardless of age, as long as they meet the legal requirements.
The proposed age limit, according to the ACDG, would disenfranchise many experienced and capable candidates, thus limiting political choices and potentially excluding individuals who could bring valuable experience and leadership to the presidency. The Centre believes such a move is a step backward in strengthening democratic inclusivity and diversity.
The ACDG also raised concerns about the logistical challenges and risks associated with holding general elections in one single day. The Centre warned that such a measure could lead to voter disenfranchisement, particularly in rural areas where infrastructure and access to polling stations are limited. Additionally, consolidating the voting process into one day could result in overcrowding, long wait times, and potential security challenges that would threaten the fairness of the election process.
The Centre emphasized that these proposed changes could compromise the integrity of the electoral process, as the capacity of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other election-related bodies could be overstretched. The proposal, according to the ACDG, overlooks the need for a well-resourced and accessible election framework that accommodates Nigeria’s diverse and expansive population.
The African Centre for Democracy and Governance is calling on lawmakers, political stakeholders, and the Nigerian electorate to engage in open dialogue on these proposed reforms. The Centre urged the National Assembly to prioritize reforms that strengthen the country’s democratic system, improve transparency, and enhance voter participation while considering the implications for fairness and inclusivity.