What Are the Basic Qualifications for Elections in Nigeria

• Different countries around the world have different qualifications for people seeking elective office and positions
• The Federal Republic of Nigeria is not different, as the country has basic qualifications that those seeking elective office must meet
• In this article, Legit.ng explained the basic qualifications by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) according to the 1999 constitution (as amended)

Legit.ng journalist Adekunle Dada has over 8 years of experience covering metro, government policy, and international issues

FCT, Abuja - There are different qualifications for people seeking elective office from citizens who can participate in an election.

The requirements for Nigerians seeking elective positions are different, and they are expected to meet many more demands.

These expectations range from experience, education, maturity, and sometimes even entrepreneurial ability, to govern effectively.

As reported by Stears, the 1999 constitution (as amended) covers what qualifies and disqualifies someone from serving in elected office in Nigeria.

Basic qualifications for Nigerians seeking elective positions

• A citizen of Nigeria by birth.
• A member of a political party and sponsored by that party.
• Have at least a School Certificate level or its equivalent.
• Age requirement

There are different age requirements for various political offices in Nigeria

Positions Age

• President or Vice-President 35 years old
• Senator in the National Assembly 35 years old
• Governor of a state 30 years old
• House of Representatives 25 years old
• State House or Assembly member 25 years old

What qualifies a person to run for President in Nigeria?

A person must be a Nigerian citizen by birth, a member of a political party, and educated at least up to school certificate level or its equivalent to run for the office of the president.

Minimum age to contest elections in Nigeria?

The minimum age to contest elections in Nigeria differs by the political office.

Presidential or senatorial aspirants must be at least 35 years old to contest for the seats. For a governorship seat, the individual must be at least 30 years old.

However, to be a representative or a state house of assembly member, the least 25 years old.

2027: Is Jonathan eligible to become President?

Recall that former president Goodluck Jonathan was mentioned as a likely candidate in past election cycles.

Legit.ng reports that there is a sentiment in some quarters for a southerner to retain the presidency in 2027.

The PDP and other political stakeholders are likely watching closely as the 2027 election approaches.

Court disqualifies APC deputy governorship candidate

Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Tuesday, November 12, 2019, disqualified the deputy governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Biobarakuma Degi-Eremienyo, over false information.

Degi-Eremienyo provided false information in his CF0001 form submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the November 16 election.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Justice Inyang Ekwo, in a judgment, said Degi-Eremienyo gave false information in relation to his educational qualifications and went ahead to depose to an affidavit to correct the discrepancies.

Source: Legit.ng