The Digest:
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has called for African nations to prioritise individuals aged 25 to 50 for top governance positions, arguing they possess superior physical strength, mental sharpness, and capacity to endure the intense demands of office. Speaking at a Murtala Muhammed Foundation lecture in Abuja marking the 50th anniversary of the late head of state's assassination, Jonathan urged lowering age barriers beyond Nigeria's 'Not Too Young to Run' reforms. He contrasted the late Murtala Muhammed, who assumed power at 38 and achieved profound reforms in 200 days, with older leaders who may spend significant time on medical care. Jonathan lamented that some governors spend up to 50 percent of their time abroad or in Abuja, leaving states unmanaged.
Key Points:
- Lowering age limits would open presidential and gubernatorial contests to millions of younger Nigerians previously barred by constitutional thresholds.
- It challenges the premium placed on gerontocracy and long political apprenticeship over youthful energy and innovation.
- Younger aspirants gain pathway to highest office, while older incumbents face pressure to cede space.
- This signals growing elite consensus that Nigeria's constitutional age barriers may be counterproductive.
- The timing, ahead of 2027 constitutional review conversations, positions age reform as a live policy debate.
Sources: TheCable, Murtala Muhammed Foundation
