In a recent press briefing the president of the ETHOVAN, Bashorun Adekunle Adeshokan explained that the trend has seemingly become a norm after over 22 years.
In the words of Adeshokan on February 18, 2025 at Excellence Hotel in Ogba, the decision to wade into the conversation is as a result of the need for accountability and genuine representation rather than having the Senate as a retirement home for ex-governors in Nigeria.
"Our observations presently focuses on an unholy political arrangement that is presently turning into norms, if we are not careful and collectively nip it in the bud as a nation and it's people; It may become an albatross in the future by covering systemic corruption and unaccountability practices.
"Thus, we strongly condemn the growing trend of Nigeria state governors securing automatic tickets to the Senate immediately after their tenure in office.
"We are calling on all political parties to end this immoral practice, which is described as a major setback to democratic accountability and good governance.
"As we all know, many outgoing governors seek Senate seats not as a means of contributing to legislative development but rather as a way to evade scrutiny and accountability for their actions while in office. This has led to a situation where the Senate, a crucial institution for national policymaking, is increasingly seen as a “retirement home” for former governors, many of whom have left behind legacies of corruption, mismanagement, and poor governance in their states.
"The automatic ticketing system serves as a loophole for governors who may have been involved in corruption, mismanagement of funds, or other malfeasances during their administration. By bypassing the necessary scrutiny and public engagement that a Senate candidacy should entail, these individuals can sidestep responsibility for their actions," Adeshokan stressed.
In furtherance, Adeshokan noted that ex-governors should not be granted automatic tickets after the end of their terms rather be urged to reintegrate and bond with residents of the states for reassement and more.
He said, "We believe that former governors should not be granted automatic Senate tickets by their parties. Instead, they should have an hiatus to spend time reintegrating with the people they once governed for public appraisal of their tenure, understanding their challenges from a non-executive perspective, and proving their commitment to public service before seeking further electoral offices again.
"The political parties must prioritize internal democracy, ensuring that Senate tickets are earned through merit and public trust rather than being handed out as political compensation.
"To strengthen our democracy, political parties must open up the space for true representation rather than recycling the same individuals who have already had the opportunity to serve.
"The Senate must not be reduced to a safe haven for former governors looking to shield themselves from accountability. Though very-few former governors had an hiatus of years and are in Senate today when the electorate of their constituencies voted them into Senate," he said.
Ethos of Omoluabi Vanguard (ETHOVAN) is a leading civil society group in Nigeria, and as a well-respected non-governmental organization that pride itself as a watchdog, and partner in the development of our Fourth Republic from 1999 till date.
