A Federal High Court ruling has stated that graduates who skip NYSC can contest for government in Nigeria. The pronouncement was made the court on Wednesday when it struck out a suit brought against the Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, by a former senator, Iyabo Anisulowo.
Drawing legalization from the law, a section read; “A person shall be qualified for election to the office of Governor of a State if: (a) he is a citizen of Nigeria by birth; (b) he has attained the age of thirty-five years; (c) he is a member of a political party and is sponsored by that political party, and (d) he has been educated up to at least School Certificate level or its equivalent.” Concerning the case against Dapo Abiodun, the court said since Mr Abiodun has not breached any of these provisions, the suit lacked merit.
Recall that recently, this has been a deterrent for political office holders, as those found wanting have been advised to step down, upon investigation that they didn’t fulfil the mandatory one year service. The implication of the recent judgment is that candidates seeking election to contest governorship elections in Nigeria no longer need to present NYSC certificates.
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