ILORIN, Nigeria — The warning came from a man who ran the Senate.
Former Senate President Bukola Saraki said Nigeria “may have missed our way again on democracy”. He spoke at PDP’s 2026 National Convention in Abuja, but the message hits Western Nigeria hardest.
Osun, Ekiti, Ondo, Oyo, Ogun, and Lagos send 71 members to the National Assembly. If that parliament becomes “powerless”, Western Nigeria loses its voice.
What Saraki Actually Said: NASS Is Becoming a “Shadow”
Saraki did not just talk party politics. He warned about the institution itself. He said the legislature is “gradually becoming a ‘shadow’ of the vibrant institution it once was”.
He accused both the executive and judiciary of undermining lawmakers through “interference in its leadership, misinterpretation of its oversight functions, and attacks on its independence”.
He gave history. The National Assembly stopped the “third term” plot under Obasanjo. It used the Doctrine of Necessity to save Nigeria in 2010 when President Yar’Adua was ill. It stood firm when Saraki’s own Senate clashed with Buhari’s presidency.
However, today is different. Saraki said when parliament cannot “say the truth to power”, citizens take to the streets. “If citizens feel their representatives cannot effectively challenge government decisions, they might take to the streets in protest instead. This could threaten Nigeria’s democracy”.
For western nigeria democracy missed way saraki 2026, that is the core. Protests in Ibadan, Akure, and Osogbo in 2020 and 2024 started because youths felt NASS was silent.
Why Western Nigeria Should Worry More Than Others
Western Nigeria pioneered democracy in Nigeria. The Western Region had the first TV in Africa, WNTV, in 1959. It ran free primary education in 1955. Its parliament was rowdy but alive. Aye and Nay meant something.
Today, Western Nigeria has the most educated voters. Yet turnout in Ekiti 2022 was 34%. In Osun 2022, it was 42%. Many say “Abuja will do what it wants anyway”. That is the danger Saraki named.
He stressed that democracy is not just majority votes. “Democracy thrives when minority voices are heard, even if the majority ultimately carries the vote”. But if lawmakers fear the executive, minority voices die in committees. Bills from Ilesa, Ikole, and Owo never reach the floor.
Meanwhile, the House of Reps saw disputed documents and signatures in 2025. “When the temple of lawmaking begins to smell of forgery, the republic is in danger”. Western Nigeria sent 48 Reps to that House. Their credibility is our credibility.
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4 Things Western Nigeria Voters Must Demand Now [Action Plan]
The western nigeria democracy missed way saraki 2026 warning is not for Abuja alone. It is for LGAs. Here is what to do before 2027:
First, demand town halls. Saraki said parliament “should continue to be open to the people who have grievances”. Ask your Rep in Iseyin, Ikere-Ekiti, or Okitipupa to hold quarterly open meetings. No open meetings since 2023? Vote them out.
Second, track votes, not motions. Many NASS members from Western Nigeria speak well but vote with the executive 98% of the time.
DAWN Commission can publish a simple scorecard: “How Your Rep Voted on Electricity, Minimum Wage, LG Autonomy”. Share it in WhatsApp groups in Bodija, Adebayo, and Oja-Oba.
Third, protect state assemblies. Saraki said the executive interferes in NASS leadership. The same happens in Osun and Ondo Houses of Assembly.
Speakers are removed by “body language”. In 2026, civil society in Akure and Osogbo must defend assembly independence. A weak state assembly means governors become emperors.
Fourth, push youth and women in. Saraki praised the Not Too Young To Run law as a “starting point”.
However, only three women under 35 were selected by parties from western Nigeria to represent them at NASS in 2023. Ibadan, Ado-Ekiti, Akure political parties must give sub-40 aspirants free hand of nom fees during 2026 primaries.
Therefore, western nigeria democracy missed way saraki 2026 is a call to voters, not just parties. As 98-year old voter Pa Adu in Ekiti said, “I have had confidence in the democratic system since my childhood, and as far as I have the energy, I will continue to do my part”.
He blames citizens too: “we citizens also have roles to support the government by exposing the bad elements”.
Conclusion: The Way Back Starts in Your LGA
Saraki warned that if PDP is not on the 2027 ballot, it would be “shameful”. But bigger shame is if voters in Western Nigeria have no real choice because all parties fear Abuja.
The National Assembly must not become a “house of disputed signatures”. It must be a house of Aye and Nay from Ibarapa, Ekiti West, and Ilaje.
FAQ Section
Q1: What did Saraki mean by “we may have missed our way again on democracy”?
A: He meant the National Assembly is losing its power to check the executive. When parliament is weak, citizens protest in the streets instead. That risks democracy.
Q2: Why is this warning important for Western Nigeria?
A: Western Nigeria has the most NASS members and the most history of parliamentary debate. If NASS becomes a “shadow”, the region loses its main tool for federal influence.
Q3: What can voters in Osun, Ekiti, Ondo do?
A: Demand quarterly town halls, track how your Rep votes, defend state assemblies from executive control, and support young candidates. Saraki said NASS must stay “open to the people”.
Q4: Is Saraki only talking about PDP?
A: No. He said democracy needs “minority voices” and warned both executive and judiciary undermine all lawmakers. The western nigeria democracy missed way saraki 2026 issue affects all parties.
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