President Bola Tinubu’s administration has successfully stifled opposition from the National Assembly, raising concerns about the legislature’s ability to check executive power. Despite initial hopes for a dynamic parliament, opposition lawmakers have failed to challenge the ruling party, earning criticism for their inaction.
Tinubu has skillfully maintained control over the National Assembly, influencing leadership positions and offering financial incentives to lawmakers. This has resulted in the swift passage of controversial bills and a rubber-stamp legislature, sparking concerns about the erosion of checks and balances in Nigeria’s democracy.
The National Assembly’s lack of opposition has been evident in its failure to challenge Tinubu’s nominees for key positions, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The legislature’s swift approval of the 2024 budget and Federal Capital Territory budget, without sufficient public consultation, has further raised concerns about its role in providing meaningful oversight. The influence of powerful figures like Nyesom Wike and Femi Gbajabiamila has consolidated the ruling party’s control over parliament, undermining the democratic principle of checks and balances.
As Nigeria moves forward, the balance of power between the branches of government will remain a critical issue for the country’s democratic health. The National Assembly must ensure accountability and effective governance.
The swift passage of controversial bills without sufficient public consultation has fueled concerns about the erosion of democracy in Nigeria. It is essential for the legislature to reassert its independence and provide meaningful oversight to prevent the further erosion of checks and balances in Nigeria’s democracy.
President Tinubu has strategically maintained control over the National Assembly. Unlike his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari, who showed little interest in legislative leadership during his first term, Tinubu actively influenced the selection of the National Assembly’s presiding officers. He endorsed candidates and held meetings with both party members and opposition lawmakers, ensuring the election of Godswill Akpabio and Abbas Tajudeen as Senate President and Speaker of the House, respectively.
Tinubu’s administration has also extended financial incentives to lawmakers. One of the first bills sent to the National Assembly included a N70 billion stabilization fund to help members settle into their roles, sparking controversy over the purchase of luxury vehicles for legislators. Despite calls from some party leaders to reject these perks, lawmakers accepted them, reflecting a lack of opposition discipline.
In another move, the National Assembly passed the 2024 budget just 32 days after it was presented, showing little resistance to executive proposals. President Tinubu also succeeded in having his nominees for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) confirmed despite allegations of partisanship, further indicating a compliant legislature.
President Tinubu’s administration faced minimal legislative resistance on the 2024 Federal Capital Territory budget, which was approved within three days. This swift approval process, along with the passage of other executive requests, has reinforced the perception of the National Assembly as a “rubber stamp” institution.
The role of influential figures like Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, and Femi Gbajabiamila, Tinubu’s Chief of Staff and former Speaker of the House, has been crucial in consolidating the ruling party’s control over parliament. Wike’s allies secured key opposition leadership positions, while Gbajabiamila’s strategic alliances ensured support for Tinubu’s legislative agenda.
While some lawmakers defend the close executive-legislature relationship as necessary for effective governance, critics argue it undermines the democratic principle of checks and balances. The swift passage of controversial bills, such as the National Anthem Bill, without sufficient public consultation, has fueled these concerns.
President Tinubu’s first year in office has been marked by minimal opposition from the National Assembly. This dynamic raises questions about the legislature’s role in providing meaningful oversight and holding the executive accountable. As Nigeria moves forward, the balance of power between the branches of government will remain a critical issue for the country’s democratic health.
