In recent times, some Nigerians have reiterated the need for age limit to contesting for or holding political offices in the country. Weekend Hope spoke with people on the issue.
Excerpts:
By Adenike Olubode, Ayomide Faseki,
Oluwanifemi Ayelayo, Adenike Loveth
I believe political offices should have an age limit. Honestly, I do not see why someone who is 60 or 65 years old should still be contesting political positions in Nigeria.
There should be a clear age range — perhaps from 30 to 64 years old. People within that age bracket (30, 35, 40, up to 64) are still active enough to lead. But once someone is 65 and above, they are already ageing and becoming elders in the society.
At that stage, I think it is better for them to advise or mentor, not hold office. So yes, I feel 30 should be the starting point, but the cut-off should be 64.
Whether political office should come with an age limit or not depends on the specific context, cultural values, countries and priorities of a society. Many countries have minimum age requirements for certain political offices (e.g., Presidency or Senate).
But in my opinion, a person’s ability to lead should be judged by their qualifications, skills and character—not their age.
Implementing age limits could be seen as discriminatory. So typically, there are no upper age limits for political offices, allowing experienced leaders to continue serving.
No, there should not be an age limit. Age should not be a barrier to holding political offices. What matters most is a person’s competence, experience and vision for the country.
Many leaders have made significant contributions well into their 60s, 70s, and beyond. Imposing an age limit would deprive us of valuable expertise and wisdom. Instead, we should focus on ensuring that our leaders are fit for the job, regardless of age.
Yes, there should be an age limit. I think it is essential to have an age limit for political offices, as people’s energy levels and ability to adapt to new ideas and technologies may decline as they grow older. Younger leaders can bring fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to governance.
An age limit would ensure that our leaders are vibrant, energetic and in touch with the needs of the younger generation.
Political actors are involved in the day-to-day running of government and ensuring the well-being of the citizenry. It requires mental alertness, as well as physical and psychological well-being of the individual involved. A politician’s good performance is sometimes determined by his or her experience.
Considering the factors mentioned above, the performance of a political appointee is not determined by age, and so it would be irrelevant for age to be considered a factor in appointments.
My candid opinion is that, as long as the political appointee is mentally and physically sound, deemed fit and academically qualified for the appointment, age should not be a factor.
I think there should be an age limit, especially for higher offices. Some of our leaders are so out of touch with how the world works now — technology, education, even just everyday struggles. We need people who understand today, not the world of 40 years ago.
Age brings wisdom, but there comes a point where it can also bring stubbornness.
I am not saying older people cannot lead, but if someone in his or her 80s is making decisions for people in their 20s and 30s, it does not always add up. Perhaps, a cap at 70 or so would not be a bad idea.