Democracy Day: Not Too Young To Run remains one of my proudest achievements, says Saraki

Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has described the passage of the Not Too Young To Run legislation as one of the achievements closest to his heart, saying the reform opened the doors of political leadership to a new generation of Nigerians.

Saraki spoke on Friday while delivering a keynote address at The Platform’s June Forum in Lagos as part of activities marking Democracy Day.

Reflecting on the contributions of the 8th Senate to national development, Saraki said the constitutional amendment was designed to remove age barriers that had prevented many young Nigerians from seeking elective office.

“Perhaps the achievement closest to my heart, we changed the constitution itself to open the doors of leadership to the young,” he said.

According to him, the Not Too Young To Run reform sent a clear message that leadership and public service should not be reserved exclusively for older generations.

“In a nation where the median age is barely eighteen, we told our young people: this Republic is not a property you inherit when your elders are finished with it. It is yours now. Run for it,” he stated.

The two-term former governor of Kwara state, noted that the impact of the law is already evident, with several young Nigerians successfully elected into public office following the constitutional amendment.

He cited members of the House of Representatives who secured electoral victories while still in their twenties, including Ibrahim Bello Mohammed, who was elected at the age of 26 to represent Birnin Kebbi/Kalgo/Bunza Federal Constituency, and Akarachi Etinosa Amadi, who won election to represent Mbaitoli/Ikeduru Federal Constituency at 29.

Saraki said the reform was part of broader efforts by the 8th Senate to make governance more inclusive and responsive to the aspirations of younger Nigerians.

He argued that sustainable national development requires creating opportunities for all segments of society to participate in leadership and decision-making.

The former Senate President also used the occasion to urge young Nigerians to take advantage of the opportunities created by the legislation by actively participating in politics, governance, and nation-building.

The Not Too Young To Run Bill, championed by youth advocacy groups led by YIAGA Africa, was passed by the National Assembly during Saraki’s tenure as Senate President in the 8th Assembly and subsequently signed into law by former President Muhammadu Buhari in May 2018. The legislation reduced the minimum age requirements for several elective offices, paving the way for greater youth participation in politics and governance across Nigeria.