Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has sounded the alarm over what he describes as the steady erosion of the National Assembly’s independence.
He accused both the executive and judicial arms of government of systematically undermining the legislature, thereby threatening Nigeria’s democratic foundations.
In a statement shared via his social media platforms during the Joint Session of the National Assembly on Democracy Day, Saraki lamented that the legislature—once a cornerstone of the country’s democratic framework—has now become “a shadow of what a virile and effective parliament should be.”
He warned that recent developments point to a troubling decline in democratic governance across the nation.
“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.
Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has called on all arms of government to recognize and respect the critical role of the National Assembly in safeguarding democracy and protecting Nigeria’s national interest.
Saraki stressed that the legislature must be empowered to serve as the true voice of the people, not reduced to a mere rubber stamp of the executive.
Addressing a Democracy Day audience that included President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and leaders of both chambers of the National Assembly, Saraki reminded them of the legislature’s historic role in defending Nigeria’s democracy — from resisting military rule and blocking the third-term agenda to resolving constitutional crises through the doctrine of necessity.
He warned that any further weakening of the legislative arm could erode public trust and lead to civil 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,” he said.
Saraki also emphasized the importance of preserving parliamentary diversity and ensuring that opposition voices remain active and protected within the chambers.
“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,” he added.
In closing, the former Senate President urged both national leaders and citizens to recommit to strengthening the legislative institution, describing it as the true symbol and protector of Nigeria’s democratic journey.
Bukola Saraki served as Nigeria’s Senate President from 2015 to 2019, during the 8th National Assembly.
