Former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, has raised concerns over the diminishing role and relevance of Nigeria’s National Assembly, warning that the legislative institution is gradually becoming a shadow of itself.

In a statement released on Thursday, June 12, to mark Nigeria’s 26th Democracy Day, Saraki lamented that the vibrancy and effectiveness expected of a functional parliament are fading fast.

He stressed the urgent need to revive the institution and restore its strength and independence, saying, “There is a need to ensure the parliament as an institution becomes stronger and more efficient.”

According to Saraki, the National Assembly’s decline is not solely the fault of the legislature or its leadership. He pointed to the roles of the executive and judiciary in consistently undermining the autonomy and authority of the parliament.

He said, “Despite the sacrifices made by previous leaders to build a strong legislature, the National Assembly continues to drift backwards.”

The former Senate President also criticized the legislative arm for misunderstanding its oversight responsibility over time, which he said has contributed to its weakened posture.

Calling on current lawmakers, Saraki urged them to put national interest above party loyalty or personal gain.

“One of the tenets of democracy is the multiplicity of opinions, freely expressed. If the National Assembly is made helpless and hopeless to the extent that the people cannot find succour there, then they will be left with no option but to run to the streets. And this is dangerous for our democracy,” he warned.

Saraki’s statement comes amid growing public concern over the shrinking space for democratic engagement and legislative independence in Nigeria.