Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has raised the alarm over the growing erosion of the National Assembly’s independence, accusing the executive and judiciary arms of systematically undermining Nigeria’s legislature and weakening its democratic foundation.
In a statement published on his social media pages on the Joint Session of the National Assembly on Democracy Day, Saraki expressed concerns that the legislature — once a pillar of Nigeria’s democratic structure — is now “a shadow of what a virile and effective parliament should be.”
According to him, recent trends suggest a dangerous regression for democratic governance in Nigeria.
“Unless we are here to lie to ourselves,” Saraki said, “we must acknowledge the fact that the National Assembly is gradually becoming a shadow of what it ought to be. This sad development is not the fault of the legislature alone. The executive and judiciary have consistently played key roles in undermining and weakening the National Assembly.”
He cited executive interference in legislative leadership selection, misinterpretation of the Assembly’s oversight functions, and hostility toward its independence as core problems.
“Whenever the National Assembly says ‘No’ in defence of constitutional democracy, it is treated as antagonistic. That is not healthy. That is not democratic,” Saraki declared.
He called on all arms of government to recognise the parliament’s critical role in sustaining democracy and protecting the national interest.
According to him, the National Assembly must be empowered to function as the true voice of the people and not reduced to a rubber stamp.
Saraki also reminded the audience — including President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and leaders of both chambers — of the Assembly’s historical role in defending democracy: from resisting military dictatorship to stopping the third-term agenda and resolving constitutional crises through the doctrine of necessity.
He warned that further weakening of the legislature could lead to public disillusionment and unrest.
“If the National Assembly becomes helpless and people can no longer find recourse there, they’ll take their grievances to the streets. And that’s dangerous for our democracy.”
The former Senate President also emphasised the need to preserve parliamentary diversity and uphold the voice of the opposition.
“A functional democracy requires both the majority and the minority to have their space. We must not allow this chamber to become a one-party, one-voice house.”
In conclusion, Saraki urged leaders and citizens alike to recommit to strengthening the legislative institution as the true symbol of democracy in Nigeria.
Bukola Saraki was Nigeria’s Senate President between 2015 and 2019, in the 8th National Assembly.
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