President Bola Tinubu has rejected moves by senators seeking automatic tickets ahead of the next general elections, choosing instead to leave final decisions on candidates in the hands of state governors.
The decision came after a high-level meeting held on Wednesday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The meeting followed an earlier closed-door session by lawmakers in the Senate. It was described by those present as urgent and strategic.
The delegation was led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Lawmakers arrived at the State House shortly after plenary ended. The visit came amid rising political tension within party ranks over ticket allocation.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga confirmed that the meeting took place. However, he did not give details of what was discussed.
In a communication linked to the Senate leadership, it was stated that “far-reaching decisions were taken at this strategic meeting, which deliberated on matters of urgent national importance.”
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele also echoed the same position. He said the meeting focused on key national issues. He did not go further into specifics.
However, inside sources gave more insight into what happened behind closed doors.
A senior National Assembly source revealed that some senators used the opportunity to push for automatic tickets. The request was aimed at securing their return to the Senate without facing party primaries.
According to the source, the lawmakers argued that such an arrangement would ensure continuity. They said it would also help preserve legislative experience and reduce internal party conflicts.
“The meeting was to plead for automatic tickets for senators but President Tinubu insisted that the governor of each state has the influence over candidates,” the source said.
“They made a case for continuity and stability and argued for automatic tickets but the President was very clear in his response,” the source added.
Tinubu reportedly turned down the request without hesitation. He stressed that governors remain the key political leaders in their states. He said they must retain the power to decide who gets party tickets.
“He told them plainly that governors are the leaders of the party in their states and must have a say on who gets the ticket,” the source disclosed.
The President’s position reinforces the long-standing structure within Nigerian political parties. Governors often control party machinery at the state level. Their influence plays a major role in determining candidates during elections.
The issue of automatic tickets has remained controversial over the years. Critics say it weakens internal democracy. They argue that it shuts out new entrants and limits competition.
Supporters, however, see it differently. They believe it helps maintain stability within the legislature. They also argue that experienced lawmakers are needed to sustain governance.
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