Tension In National Assembly As Tinubu Rejects Senators’ Automatic Tickets Bid

According to Punch, the President reaffirmed that state governors retain primary authority over the selection of candidates within their respective states. He also strengthened their role in managing party primaries following a meeting with state executives on Thursday evening.

The decision is said to have heightened concerns among federal lawmakers, particularly senators who already have strained relationships with their state governors.

Tinubu made his position known during a closed-door meeting with the expanded leadership of the Senate at the Presidential Villa on Wednesday evening. Although he had earlier hinted at supporting the return of serving legislators, sources said the senators visited the Villa to formally seek guarantees.

One source disclosed that the lawmakers appealed for automatic tickets, but the President maintained that governors must play a decisive role in determining candidates.

“He made it clear that governors are the leaders of the party in their states and should have a say in who gets the ticket,” the source said.

The visit, which was not on the President’s official schedule, was attended by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, who arrived at the Villa around 5pm.