Tinubu Rejects Automatic Senate Tickets, Empowers Governors

President Bola Tinubu has made a significant decision to reject automatic ticket allocations for senators, instead granting state governors the authority to select candidates for the upcoming 2027 general elections. This move was reaffirmed during a meeting with state executives on Thursday evening, where Tinubu emphasized the need for governors to drive the primary process.

The decision has heightened anxiety among federal lawmakers, especially several senators whose relationships with their governors are reportedly strained. Tinubu's earlier suggestions indicated that he would utilize all powers within the party to ensure the return of serving legislators, raising expectations within the National Assembly.

Senior sources familiar with the meeting noted that Tinubu's assurances were made public during a visit by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abba to the presidential villa on Wednesday, which was not part of the official schedule for that day.