By Gloria Ikibah
Nigeria’s Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has issued a stark warning that democracies across West Africa are under growing pressure to justify themselves through real results or face deepening instability.
Speaking at the opening of the 2026 First Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament in Abuja on Monday, Abbas said the region stands at a critical juncture, marked by declining voter turnout, eroding public confidence, and a worrying return of unconstitutional changes of government. 
“This session brings together parliamentary leaders and representatives from across our sub-region at a time when the choices before us are both consequential and immediate.
“The concern is no longer limited to the conduct of elections. It extends to whether democratic governance is producing outcomes that citizens can recognise and trust,” he said.
He pointed to a growing sense of frustration among citizens, noting that although military rule remains widely rejected, patience with democratic systems is wearing thin.
“The issue is not whether democracy remains the preferred system of governance. Evidence across the region continues to show that citizens reject military rule. The issue is whether democratic systems are delivering sufficiently to sustain that preference. This places a premium on performance. Electoral legitimacy must be matched by governance outcomes.
“Security, economic stability, and fairness in public administration are no longer aspirational goals. They are the basis on which citizens evaluate the state’s credibility. Where these are absent, the space for disruption expands. Within this context, the role of the ECOWAS Parliament becomes increasingly important. It must function not only as a deliberative body, but as a platform for aligning democratic practice with the expectations of citizens across member states,” Abbas warned.
The Speaker argued that the ECOWAS Parliament can no longer afford to remain a largely advisory body, urging reforms to strengthen its legislative weight, oversight reach, and role in regional decision-making.
“It is important to acknowledge that this question of relevance is not new. Over the years, there have been sustained efforts within the Community to strengthen the mandate of the Parliament, including proposals to move it from an advisory body towards one with enhanced legislative authority, greater oversight capacity, and a more direct role in regional decisionmaking.
“Discussions around direct elections into the Parliament, expanded budgetary scrutiny, and clearer mechanisms for enforcing Community protocols have reflected a shared recognition that the institution must evolve in line with the demands placed upon it. These efforts have not yet been fully realised.
“However, the current moment makes their urgency clearer. A Parliament with limited influence cannot adequately respond to a region facing democratic reversals, security pressures, and economic uncertainty.
“Strengthening the powers, relevance, and operational capacity of this institution is therefore not a procedural ambition. It is a strategic necessity for regional stability. A more empowered Parliament would enhance accountability within the Community, deepen citizen representation at the regional level, and provide a stronger democratic anchor in times of stress”, he stated.
Abbas also highlighted the pivotal role of national legislatures, describing them as the primary link between governance and the everyday experiences of citizens.
“National parliaments are central to this effort. They are the institutions through which laws are made, executive action is scrutinised, and public resources are allocated. Their effectiveness determines, in practical terms, how citizens experience governance. Where parliaments are active and responsive, democratic systems are strengthened. Where they are passive, institutional balance is weakened.
“In Nigeria, the National Assembly has sought to respond to these responsibilities with a clearer sense of purpose. Under my leadership, the House of Representatives has prioritised legislative productivity, oversight discipline and public engagement.
“Mechanisms have been introduced to expand transparency and access, while legislative interventions have been aligned with national priorities in areas such as economic reform, security and social protection. A specific area of focus has been the strengthening of Parliamentary Friendship Groups.
“These platforms facilitate structured engagement with legislatures in other countries, enabling the exchange of experiences, coordination of positions, and the development of shared approaches to common challenges”, he stated.
Defending Nigeria’s recent economic reforms, Abbas described the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of exchange rates as difficult but necessary decisions taken within a democratic framework.
“These measures have required adjustment, but they reflect a deliberate approach to reform within a democratic framework. Early indicators suggest that these changes are beginning to yield results.
“Fiscal inflows to states have increased, enabling greater investment in infrastructure and social services. Efforts to strengthen revenue administration and reduce leakages are ongoing.
“In the security sector, coordinated operations have been intensified across multiple regions. While challenges remain, the direction of policy is clear and anchored in constitutional order. The significance of this approach extends beyond Nigeria. It demonstrates that democratic systems can undertake difficult reforms without recourse to extra-constitutional measures.
“This is a critical point in a sub-region where the temptation to substitute constitutional processes with military intervention has re-emerged. Experience shows that such interventions do not resolve underlying governance challenges”, Abbas stressed.
He urged West African legislatures to become more assertive on the global stage, taking cues from regional parliamentary bodies that have expanded their influence beyond advisory roles.
Abbas outlined three priorities for the region: ensuring democratic systems deliver measurable outcomes, strengthening accountability in political leadership, and turning regional agreements into sustained action.
“Parliaments will be central to restoring public confidence in democracy across the sub-region.
“This session of the ECOWAS Parliament provides an opportunity to reinforce that direction. It is an opportunity to align our collective efforts with our citizens’ expectations and strengthen the foundations of democratic governance across West Africa”, he stated.
