Nigeria: 2027 Legislative Aspirant Withdraws Amid Age Controversy

A major controversy has erupted in Nigeria after reports emerged questioning the true age of a prospective candidate for the 2027 legislative elections. Sadis Bouba Mahmoud, who had publicly claimed to be 30 years old, has reportedly withdrawn from the race following allegations that he is, in fact, only 15.

The issue gained national attention after videos and photographs circulated online showing the young APC aspirant participating in the ruling party’s primary activities. His notably youthful appearance and small stature quickly sparked widespread debate across social media and within political circles.

In an interview with the BBC, Bouba Mahmoud insisted that he was old enough to contest for a seat in the House of Representatives. He explained that he suffers from a hereditary form of dwarfism inherited from his grandfather, stressing that his physical condition had never diminished his political ambitions.

However, an investigation published by People’s Gazette claimed that information from Nigeria’s national identity database lists his date of birth as August 27, 2010. If accurate, this would make him just 15 years old — far below the constitutional minimum age of 25 required to run for the House of Representatives.

Before the controversy erupted, Bouba Mahmoud had reportedly attracted support from several prominent political figures, including Vice President Kashim Shettima. He had also been seen at official events alongside President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Presenting himself as a former driver, businessman, and committed APC supporter, the young aspirant had gradually become a recognizable figure in local political circles.

The incident has since raised broader concerns about the internal screening and verification processes within the ruling party. Many Nigerians are now questioning how an underage aspirant could allegedly progress through several stages of the political selection process before doubts surrounding his age became public.