Nigeria’s democracy faces a deepening crisis as its legislative branch continues to erode in both integrity and function. The recent emergency declaration in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu, while controversial, highlights the extent to which the National Assembly has become an extension of the executive rather than an independent body. Reports indicate that legislators were allegedly bribed with up to $25,000 to support the president’s decision, which dismantled democratic institutions in the state. Despite these claims, neither the Senate nor the House of Representatives has issued a denial, reinforcing the perception that the legislature has abandoned its constitutional duty to act as a check on executive power.
This is not the first instance of Nigeria’s lawmakers prioritising personal gain over national interest. Over the years, the legislature has been plagued by allegations of corruption, including incidents where senators were reportedly paid to drop impeachment proceedings against former President Olusegun Obasanjo. The Culture of self-enrichment is further evident in the extravagant allowances and luxury vehicles regularly allocated to lawmakers, even as economic hardship deepens for the average Nigerian. The lack of accountability has turned the National Assembly into an institution that mimics democracy but functions primarily to serve the ruling party’s interests.
Decline of the legislature is a threat to democracy.
Historically, the pattern has remained consistent regardless of which party is in power. Under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), the legislature operated as an extension of the executive, and the same is now true under the All Progressives Congress (APC). This trend has resulted in a legislative body that is largely ineffective in upholding democratic principles. Constitutional provisions, such as the requirement for a recorded two-thirds majority vote to approve an emergency declaration, are ignored in favour of political convenience. The lack of institutional memory, evident in the absence of proper archives or publicly accessible records, further weakens the credibility of the legislature.
At this point, Nigeria’s government effectively operates with just one and a quarter functioning arms: the executive and a Judiciary that remains under pressure. The legislature’s failure to assert its independence has profound implications for governance, as policies and decisions that should undergo thorough scrutiny are merely rubber-stamped. The situation calls for urgent reforms, including stronger transparency measures, independent oversight bodies, and public accountability mechanisms to restore the National Assembly’s role as a true representative of the people.
Holding leaders to accountability is non-negotiable.
In addition to the legislative failure, the diminishing space for democratic engagement in Nigeria serves as a broader issue. Civil society, the media, and ordinary citizens must play a more active role in demanding accountability. The ease with which lawmakers allegedly accept bribes reflects a system where power is concentrated in the hands of a few, leaving other citizens with little recourse. If this continues unchecked, elections will become mere formalities, with leaders operating without facing the consequences of their actions.
Another pressing concern is the widening disconnect between government officials and the realities faced by Nigerians. While legislators secure millions for luxury vehicles and allowances, many citizens struggle with inflation, unemployment, and failing infrastructure. This stark contrast fuels public disillusionment with democracy, creating an environment where authoritarian alternatives might become more appealing. The survival of democratic institutions depends on bridging this gap and ensuring that leadership reflects the needs of the people rather than the interests of a privileged few.
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Ultimately, the path to genuine democratic governance requires sustained public pressure and institutional reforms. If Nigeria’s legislature remains a tool for personal enrichment and executive approval, then the principle of checks and balances will continue to erode. The challenge is not just about replacing corrupt individuals but transforming the system itself to prioritise transparency, accountability, and true representation. Without such efforts, the country risks further democratic decline, where governance is dictated by power rather than the rule of law.