Ethos of Omoluabi Vanguard (ETHOVAN) condemns the trend of Nigeria governors securing automatic Senate tickets, calling for urgent reforms
Ethos of Omoluabi Vanguard (ETHOVAN), a leading civil society organisation in Nigeria, has strongly criticised the growing trend of state governors automatically securing Senate tickets after their tenure.
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The group describes this practice as a major threat to democracy, accountability, and good governance in the country.
In a statement, ETHOVAN highlighted concerns over how this arrangement has become a norm, allowing former governors to evade scrutiny and accountability for their time in office.
The organisation warns that if not checked, this trend could lead to systemic corruption and further weaken Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
The civil society group argues that many outgoing governors do not seek Senate positions to contribute to legislative development.
Instead, they see the Senate as a “retirement home,” shielding them from prosecution and investigations into their administration.
ETHOVAN believes that this automatic transition from executive to legislative power undermines the integrity of the Senate and reduces its effectiveness in national policymaking.
“The automatic ticketing system serves as a loophole for governors who may have engaged in corruption, mismanagement of public funds, and other malfeasance.
It enables them to bypass public scrutiny, securing legislative positions without undergoing the necessary democratic processes,” the statement read.
ETHOVAN is calling on political parties to put an end to this unethical practice by ensuring that Senate tickets are earned through merit and public trust, rather than being handed out as political compensation.
The organisation insists that former governors should take a hiatus from politics, allowing time for public appraisal of their tenure before seeking new electoral positions.
To strengthen Nigeria’s democracy, ETHOVAN urges political parties to prioritise internal democracy and open up the political space for fresh and competent leaders.
The group commends President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for not using the Senate as a stepping stone after his tenure as Lagos State governor before later contesting for the presidency.
Beyond political reforms, ETHOVAN is also calling on anti-corruption agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) to intensify efforts in investigating former governors. The group emphasises that public office should not serve as a shield against justice.
The statement concludes with a strong commitment to democratic accountability: “Democracy thrives on accountability and fresh ideas.
It is time we stop this unhealthy cycle of career politicians moving from one public office to another without meaningful self-assessment and re-engagement with the electorate.”
