Nigeria, Nov. 19 -- The House of Representatives has passed for second reading a constitutional amendment bill seeking to lower the minimum age for contesting governorship and Senate seats from 35 to 30 years.

The proposal, which received broad support during Tuesday's plenary, marks a renewed push to expand political inclusion for younger Nigerians.

Titled, 'A Bill for an Act to Alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) to Reduce the Age for Qualification for Membership of the Senate and Office of the Governor and for Related Matters," the proposed legislation was sponsored by Esin Etim and 24 other lawmakers across party lines.

At present, the 1999 Constitution stipulates that candidates for the Sen...