Boy, 15, withdraws from Nigerian parliamentary race after age fraud allegations
A 15-year-old Nigerian boy identified as Sadisu Buba Mahmud has withdrawn from the race for a seat in Nigeria’s House of Representatives after investigations allegedly exposed that he lied about his age to qualify for the election.
Mahmud, who reportedly has dwarfism, had presented himself publicly as a 30-year-old man in a bid to contest the 2027 National Assembly election for the Sabon Gari Federal Constituency in Kaduna State under the platform of the All Progressives Congress.
The controversy erupted after investigations by Nigerian media outlet The Peoples Gazette reportedly uncovered evidence suggesting that the aspiring politician was actually 15 years old, far below the constitutional minimum age required to contest for a seat in the lower legislative chamber.
Under Nigeria’s constitution, a candidate must be at least 25 years old to qualify for election into the House of Representatives.
According to reports, Mahmud had allegedly told party officials, journalists and members of the public that he was 30 years old and married.
He reportedly claimed to have been born on August 2, 1995, and described himself as a driver from Sabon Gari in Zaria, Kaduna State, before entering politics.
The issue gained national attention after Mahmud appeared in an interview with the BBC, where he maintained that he met the constitutional age requirement to contest the election.
However, subsequent investigations reportedly uncovered forged documentation allegedly used to support his age claims.
Following the revelations, Mahmud announced his withdrawal from the parliamentary race in a letter addressed to the Kaduna State chairman of the APC.
In the letter, he described his decision as one taken in the interest of party unity and reconciliation.
“This was not an easy decision. But it was hastened by the reconciliation efforts initiated by stakeholders and leaders of our party,” part of the statement read.
He further stated that extensive consultations with family members, political associates and party stakeholders convinced him that stepping down was the best option for the progress of the party.
“My withdrawal is not a sign of weakness, but a sacrifice for the greater good of the party,” he added.
Mahmud also pledged to continue supporting the APC and work toward the victory of the party’s chosen candidate in the upcoming elections.
The controversy surrounding the teenager’s candidacy has generated significant debate across Nigeria, with many questioning how the alleged misrepresentation escaped scrutiny during the party registration and screening processes.
Others have also raised concerns about the use of forged documents in political processes and the need for stricter verification systems for aspiring candidates.
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