ETHOVAN calls for an end to automatic Senate tickets for former governors, urging political reforms to promote accountability and democracy

[dropcap]E[/dropcap]thos of Omoluabi Vanguard (ETHOVAN), a leading civil society organisation in Nigeria, has strongly condemned the growing trend of outgoing state governors securing automatic tickets to the Senate immediately after their tenure.

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The group describes this practice as a major threat to democratic accountability and good governance.

In a statement, ETHOVAN expressed concern that this arrangement is becoming a norm, warning that if not checked, it could encourage systemic corruption and unaccountability.

The organisation is calling on all political parties to put an end to what it describes as an “immoral practice.”

Senate as a “Retirement Home” for Governors

ETHOVAN argues that many outgoing governors do not seek Senate seats to contribute meaningfully to legislative development but rather as a means of evading scrutiny and accountability for their time in office.

The group warns that this trend undermines the Senate’s credibility, reducing it to a “retirement home” for former governors, many of whom have legacies of mismanagement and corruption.

“The automatic ticketing system serves as a loophole for governors who may have been involved in corruption, mismanagement of funds, or other malfeasance during their administration,” the statement reads.

“By bypassing necessary scrutiny and public engagement, these individuals sidestep responsibility for their actions.”

Call for Reforms in Political Parties

ETHOVAN insists that former governors should not be granted automatic Senate tickets but should take a hiatus from political office to reconnect with the people they once governed.

This, the group believes, would allow for public appraisal of their tenure, a better understanding of governance challenges from a non-executive perspective, and an opportunity to prove their commitment to public service before seeking further electoral positions.

Political parties, ETHOVAN urges, must uphold internal democracy and ensure that Senate tickets are earned through merit and public trust rather than serving as a form of political compensation.

“To strengthen our democracy, parties must open up the space for true representation rather than recycling the same individuals who have already had the opportunity to serve,” the group stated.

Commendation for President Tinubu and Call to Action

ETHOVAN commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for not using the Senate as a stepping stone after his tenure as Lagos State governor but instead taking time away from political office before contesting for the presidency.

The group cited this as an example of political maturity and the kind of democratic accountability that should be encouraged.

Furthermore, ETHOVAN is calling on anti-corruption agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), to intensify efforts in investigating former governors and ensuring that public office is not used as a shield against justice.

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“Democracy thrives on accountability and fresh ideas,” ETHOVAN stated. “It is time we stop this unhealthy cycle of career politicians moving from one public office to another without any meaningful break for self-assessment and re-engagement with the electorate.”