Many outgoing governors do not seek Senate positions to contribute meaningfully to legislative progress but rather as a way to evade accountability for their time in office as chief executive of their respective states
ETHOVAN Begin Moves to Stop Automatic Senate Seats for Former Governors
The Ethos of Omoluabi Vanguard (ETHOVAN), a prominent Nigerian civil society group, has voiced strong opposition to the increasing trend of outgoing state governors securing automatic Senate seats following their tenure. The organization decries this practice as a serious threat to democratic integrity and effective governance.
In a statement during a press conference held on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, ETHOVAN raised concerns that this practice is becoming normalized, warning that it could foster a culture of systemic corruption and erode accountability within the political system.
Speaking on behalf of the group during the media parley, the President of the civil society, Bashorun Adekunle Adeshokan called on political parties to put an end to what it terms an “immoral practice” that compromises democratic values.
Adeshokan argues that many departing governors do not seek Senate positions to contribute meaningfully to legislative progress but rather as a way to evade accountability for their time in office. This trend, according to the group, threatens the credibility of the Senate, turning it into a “retirement home” for former governors, many of whom carry legacies of corruption and mismanagement.
“The automatic Senate ticket system provides a loophole for governors who may have engaged in corruption, financial mismanagement, or other forms of misconduct during their time in office,” The statement reads. “This allows them to bypass scrutiny and evade the consequences of their actions.”
The organization advocates for former governors to forgo automatic Senate positions and instead take a break from political office. This hiatus, ETHOVAN suggests, would allow for public assessment of their past tenure, provide a clearer perspective on governance challenges, and give them the opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to public service before pursuing further political office.
The organisation also calls on political parties to uphold internal democracy by ensuring that Senate candidacies are based on merit and public trust, rather than serving as a form of political reward.
“To strengthen our democracy, political parties must foster true representation and avoid recycling individuals who have already had the chance to serve,” the group emphasizes.
Adeshokan further commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for choosing not to seek a Senate seat after his tenure as governor of Lagos State, instead taking a break from politics before contesting for the presidency. The group hailed this as an example of political maturity and the type of accountability that should be promoted.
The organization is also urging anti-corruption bodies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC), to step up investigations into former governors, ensuring that public office cannot be used as a shield against justice.
“Democracy thrives on accountability and fresh ideas,” Adeshokan concludes. “It is time to end the unhealthy cycle of career politicians moving from one public office to another without any meaningful break for self-reflection and re-engagement with the electorate.” Read More
