Tinubu automatic tickets pledge aims to reduce turnover in the House of Representatives as President also renews call for state police

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday pledged to support automatic party tickets for serving members of the House of Representatives ahead of the 2027 general elections, as part of efforts to reduce legislative turnover and strengthen institutional continuity.

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President Tinubu made the commitment at the State House, Abuja, during an interfaith breaking of fast attended by members of the House of Representatives, according to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga.

Addressing the lawmakers, the President acknowledged that political rotation arrangements in some constituencies often prevent experienced legislators from returning to parliament but assured the gathering that party mechanisms would be explored to encourage continuity.

“I will do everything within our party’s power. In several constituencies, there are rotational arrangements. I wish that everyone would return,” the President said.

The Tinubu automatic tickets assurance followed earlier discussions between the President and members of the Senate, reflecting ongoing engagement between the executive and the National Assembly leadership.

President Tinubu also reiterated his administration’s commitment to establishing state police, describing decentralised policing as a critical reform necessary to confront Nigeria’s persistent security challenges and enhance local response capacity.

Commending the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Tajudeen Abbas, the President praised his leadership style and dedication to national development, noting that unity within the legislature remained vital to governance stability.

He expressed optimism about Nigeria’s economic outlook, stating that initial resistance to key reforms, including fuel subsidy removal, had eased as economic conditions gradually stabilised.

“It was initially very difficult for many to understand the direction of my thinking, but I am glad we are out of the dark tunnel,” President Tinubu said, adding that collaboration between the executive and lawmakers had helped overcome early policy challenges.

Earlier, Speaker Abbas thanked the President for sustaining the tradition of hosting lawmakers for Ramadan engagements, describing the simultaneous observance of Ramadan and Lent as symbolic of national unity across faiths.

The Speaker also appealed for presidential backing to enable the return of current lawmakers, warning that the frequent exit of up to 80 per cent of National Assembly members after elections weakens parliamentary effectiveness due to prolonged learning curves for new legislators.

He said growing confidence among lawmakers across party lines reflected increasing acceptance of the administration’s economic policies and reform agenda.

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Political observers say the President’s endorsement of continuity signals a strategic effort to consolidate legislative experience ahead of future governance reforms and the 2027 electoral cycle.