Tinubu Turns Down Senators’ Demand For Automatic Tickets Ahead Of 2027 Elections

According to Ireporter Online, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reportedly dismissed a move by some senators seeking automatic return tickets ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that state governors must remain central to the process of selecting political candidates within their respective states.

The development followed a meeting between the President and members of the Senate leadership held on Wednesday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, described by lawmakers as an emergency and strategic consultation. The delegation, led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, visited the President shortly after the Senate adjourned plenary following a closed-door session.

While presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga confirmed that the meeting took place, he did not provide details of the discussions. However, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele later revealed that “far-reaching decisions” were taken during the engagement, noting that the talks focused on matters considered urgent to national interest.

Sources familiar with the meeting disclosed that some lawmakers used the opportunity to advocate for automatic tickets for incumbent senators, arguing that continuity and stability within the legislature should be prioritised. However, President Tinubu was said to have firmly rejected the proposal.

A source within the National Assembly was quoted as saying that the senators appealed for assurances regarding automatic nominations, but the President maintained that governors wield significant influence over party structures in their respective states and must play a decisive role in determining candidates.

According to the source, President Tinubu made it clear that the party’s internal democracy must be respected, stressing that governors, as leaders of the party in their states, cannot be excluded from the candidate selection process.