April 23, 2026 | Political News | SUNTV Global Channel Reporting
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has firmly rejected a behind-the-scenes push by senators seeking automatic return tickets ahead of the next general elections, instead reinforcing the authority of state governors over party candidate selection.
The development followed a high-level, closed-door meeting between the President and the extended leadership of the Senate at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Wednesday. The meeting, described by lawmakers as “emergency and strategic,” came shortly after a private executive session held by the Senate.
The delegation was led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, with top lawmakers including Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele in attendance. While official details of the discussions were not disclosed, insiders say the meeting centered on critical political and national issues.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga confirmed the meeting in a post on X (formerly Twitter), noting that “far-reaching decisions were taken,” though he did not elaborate on the specifics.
However, a senior National Assembly source revealed that the lawmakers had used the opportunity to lobby the President for automatic party tickets for sitting senators, arguing it would ensure continuity, stability, and legislative experience.
“The senators made a strong case for automatic tickets, but the President was unequivocal,” the source disclosed. “He made it clear that governors remain the leaders of the party in their respective states and must retain the power to influence who emerges as candidates.”
According to the source, Tinubu emphasized that internal party processes and state-level political structures cannot be bypassed, effectively shutting down the senators’ proposal.
The issue of automatic tickets has long sparked debate in Nigeria’s political space, with critics warning that it undermines internal democracy, while supporters argue it strengthens party unity and preserves institutional knowledge within the legislature.
Wednesday’s outcome signals a clear stance from the presidency—one that reinforces the dominance of governors in party affairs and sets the tone for political alignments ahead of the coming elections.
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