Former Senate President says a weak parliament threatens accountability, stability and the future of democratic governance….
Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has cautioned that Nigeria’s democratic journey could face serious setbacks if critical institutions, particularly the legislature, are weakened or stripped of their independence.
Speaking on Friday at The Platform’s June Forum in Lagos, held as part of activities marking the 2026 Democracy Day celebration, Saraki argued that the National Assembly remains one of the most important pillars sustaining democratic governance in the country.
Addressing participants on the theme, “How Legislature Brings About Democratic Stability by Strengthening Governance and National Development,” the former lawmaker described parliament as the backbone of any functioning democracy.
According to him, Nigeria’s democracy was achieved through years of struggle and sacrifice rather than being freely handed to citizens, making it imperative for democratic institutions to be protected and strengthened.
“Democracy in Nigeria was never handed to us. It was fought for,” he said, stressing that gains achieved through sacrifice can easily be lost if citizens fail to defend them.
Saraki also reflected on the significance of June 12, describing the annulled 1993 presidential election as a defining moment in the country’s democratic history and a reminder of the resilience of Nigerians who insisted on their right to choose their leaders.
He argued that one of the legislature’s most important functions is providing a lawful and peaceful platform for resolving political disagreements.
“When people disagree in a democracy, there must be institutions capable of managing those differences without tearing the country apart,” he said, noting that parliament serves as the arena where competing interests can be debated constructively.
The former Senate President warned against reducing the legislature to a rubber-stamp institution that merely approves executive decisions without rigorous examination.
He maintained that lawmakers have a constitutional responsibility to scrutinise policies, budgets and borrowing plans before granting approval.
Saraki cited the Eighth Senate’s decision to reject a $29.96 billion external borrowing request from the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2016, saying the proposal lacked sufficient details regarding how the funds would be utilised.
He also defended the Senate’s refusal to confirm Ibrahim Magu as substantive chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, insisting that lawmakers acted within their constitutional authority based on information available to them at the time.
Beyond oversight functions, Saraki highlighted the legislature’s contribution to national development through lawmaking, pointing to reforms aimed at improving the business climate, expanding economic opportunities and protecting vulnerable groups.
Among the notable legislative achievements he referenced were the Not Too Young To Run Act, the Disability Act and reforms introduced within Nigeria’s petroleum sector.
Speaking on youth participation in politics, Saraki said the constitutional amendment lowering barriers for young candidates represented a major step toward inclusive governance.
“We told our young people that leadership is not something they should wait decades to inherit. They have a role to play now,” he said.
While acknowledging public concerns about the performance of the National Assembly, Saraki argued that the solution lies in improving the institution rather than diminishing its powers.
He called for greater transparency, stronger independence from executive influence and increased citizen participation in legislative affairs.
According to him, Nigerians must become more interested in the actions and voting records of their elected representatives rather than focusing solely on presidential elections.
Saraki also recalled moments of tension between the executive and legislative arms during the Eighth Senate, including the 2018 security blockade of the National Assembly complex, which he described as a dangerous test for democratic governance.
He concluded by urging citizens, political leaders and institutions to remain committed to protecting democratic values, warning that no democracy can thrive when its institutions are weakened.
“A strong legislature strengthens transparency, transparency builds public trust, and trust ultimately reinforces democratic stability,” he said.
Nigeria observes Democracy Day every June 12 in honour of the 1993 presidential election, widely regarded as one of the most credible in the nation’s history. The date was officially adopted in 2018 to recognise the sacrifices of pro-democracy activists who fought for the return of civilian rule.
