Panic In NASS: Tinubu Scraps Senators’ Automatic Tickets, Hands Control To Governors

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declined appeals from the leadership of the Senate seeking automatic return tickets for incumbent lawmakers of the ruling party ahead of the 2027 general elections. According to Ireporter Online, the President reaffirmed the constitutional and political influence of state governors in determining party candidates within their respective states, effectively placing the responsibility for candidate selection on their shoulders.

The development followed a closed-door meeting held at the Presidential Villa involving the extended leadership of the Senate, where discussions reportedly centered on securing assurances for the return of sitting legislators. Sources familiar with the meeting disclosed that the lawmakers had pressed the President to guarantee them automatic tickets, citing the need for continuity and stability within the National Assembly. However, Tinubu was said to have maintained a firm stance, emphasizing that governors remain the ultimate leaders of the party at the state level and must play a decisive role in the nomination process.

The President’s position is understood to have heightened concerns among federal lawmakers, particularly senators who currently have strained relationships with their state governors. This marks a shift from earlier indications by Tinubu suggesting he would support the re-election of serving legislators, a stance that had initially raised expectations within the National Assembly.

Among those observed at the Presidential Villa during the meeting were Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, whose official vehicles were seen arriving shortly after 5 p.m. on Wednesday. The visit was not listed on the President’s official schedule, further underscoring the sensitive nature of the discussions.