Nigerian’s youths eyeing the presidency will have to wait until 2023, President Muhammadu Buhari declared yesterday, as he signed into law the Not Too Young To Run bill.
The act, signed in the presence of selected youths from the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), reduces the minimum age requirement for elective positions in the country.
“Please, can I ask you to postpone your campaigns till after the 2019 elections!” Buhari told the youths. He had recently declared his intention to seek reelection in next year’s general polls.
“It may be tempting for you to think of this as the end of the journey. However, it is only the beginning; there is still a lot of work ahead, towards ensuring that young people take full advantage of the opportunities provided, not only by this constitutional amendment but also through Nigeria’s boundless prospects. “You should inculcate the spirit of self help. Those who complete their training should not just sit down and wait for the government or private sector to employ them. You should be innovative and turn your hands to any legitimate work that will enable you to sustain yourself,” the President said.