Breaking: Tinubu Rejects Senators’ Demand for Automatic Return Tickets

The President made the position known during a meeting with Senate leadership on Wednesday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, in what lawmakers described as an “emergency and strategic” engagement. The delegation was led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, shortly after the Senate adjourned plenary following a closed-door session.

While the Presidency spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed the meeting, he did not provide details. However, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele later disclosed that “far-reaching decisions” were taken during discussions on urgent national issues.

Sources familiar with the meeting said the lawmakers appealed for assurances that sitting senators would be guaranteed party tickets without facing primary contests, arguing for continuity and stability.

According to one source, President Tinubu firmly rejected the proposal, stressing that governors remain key stakeholders in determining party candidates at the state level. He reportedly maintained that they must have a say in who secures electoral tickets, effectively ending hopes of automatic returns for lawmakers.