The recent stance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu rejecting the demand for automatic tickets for federal lawmakers is not only commendable—it is a bold reaffirmation of democratic principles and grassroots accountability.
Reports from a meeting in Abuja indicate that Mr. President firmly overruled attempts by members of the National Assembly to secure automatic return tickets. This decision sends a clear and unmistakable message: political power must remain with the people, not be cornered by a privileged few.
President Tinubu has, by this singular act, demonstrated that he is a true democrat-one who believes that leadership must be earned continuously through service, humility, and direct engagement with constituents. Democracy cannot thrive where elected representatives seek entitlement over accountability.
It is important to remind many lawmakers that their emergence in the first place was made possible by grassroots support. Unfortunately, a troubling number of them have since distanced themselves from the very people who entrusted them with power. They have failed to maintain meaningful engagement with their constituencies, neglected their obligations, and in some cases, fostered unnecessary divisions within the party structure to evade scrutiny.
In Ondo State, this reality has been evident. For years, something federal lawmakers maintained a strained or distant relationship with the state leadership, particularly with Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa. Rather than strengthening party cohesion and delivering dividends of democracy, some chose to operate in isolation, disconnected from both the government and the grassroots.
However, the President’s firm rejection of automatic tickets has altered the political landscape. It has effectively sent a strong signal back to the constituencies and reaffirmed the authority of party leadership at the state level. Unsurprisingly, there is now a renewed rush by some of these lawmakers to reconnect with the governor and party structures they once sidelined.
This development underscores a fundamental truth: all politics is local. No political officeholder can sustainably operate outside the will and expectations of the people. Accountability is not optional—it is the foundation of public service.
I must also commend President Tinubu for affirming the strategic role of governors as leaders of the party in their respective states. In Ondo State, Governor Aiyedatiwa remains the rallying point for party unity, discipline, and direction. His leadership is crucial in ensuring that the interests of the majority of party members are protected and that credible, acceptable candidates emerge through a fair and competitive process.
Let it be clearly stated: the era of entitlement politics must give way to performance-based representation. Aspirants must return to the people, earn their trust, and justify their continued relevance through tangible service.
I therefore wish to:
1.Commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his courage and commitment to democratic ideals.
2.Affirm the leadership of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa as the leader of the party in Ondo State.
3.Encourage party members and constituents to demand accountability and active representation from all elected officials.
4.Call on all aspirants to embrace grassroots engagement and reject divisive tactics aimed at undermining party unity and avoiding responsibilities
This moment must mark a turning point in our political culture-where service replaces entitlement, and where the people, not political convenience, determine leadership.
Signed:
Hon. Barr. Banji Okunomo
Former Chairman, Ilaje Local Government
Chieftain, All Progressives Congress (APC), Ondo State
