Nigeria legislature executive relationship draws sharp criticism from David Mark who warns of weakened oversight and growing executive dominance
The Nigeria legislature executive relationship has come under renewed criticism following a strong statement by former Senate President and interim National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), David Mark.
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Speaking at the unveiling of the ADC as the new political platform adopted by a coalition of opposition forces, Mark accused the National Assembly of abandoning its constitutional duty.
He expressed deep concern about the erosion of legislative independence and what he called the transformation of parliament into a team of cheerleaders for the executive arm of government.
“Never in our history have we witnessed a legislature so emasculated. The National Assembly, whose members are the trustees of our democracy, has been reduced to cheerleaders of the executive,” he declared.
According to Mark, the shift in the Nigeria legislature executive relationship poses a real threat to democratic governance.
He warned that the unchecked authority of the presidency has led to a dangerous imbalance that allows unconstitutional actions and anti-people policies to go unchallenged.
“This is why whimsical and unconstitutional decisions are now made with impunity, leading to deepening poverty and widening insecurity,” Mark said.
He noted that this trend empowers the executive to bypass accountability mechanisms that are vital in a functioning democracy.
Mark’s remarks were delivered during the formal presentation of the ADC as the unifying vehicle for a broad-based opposition coalition aiming to challenge the ruling party in the 2027 general elections.
The coalition includes other political parties, civil society organisations, and youth groups who share a common goal of rebuilding Nigeria’s democratic foundations.
He described the coalition as “a national movement of like-minded opposition groups, political parties, civil society organisations, youth associations, and other concerned Nigerians committed to saving the soul of the Republic.”
Criticism of the legislature’s docile posture is not new, but Mark’s intervention has added weight to a growing public debate about the effectiveness of the National Assembly.
Many citizens and political observers argue that the legislature has failed in its oversight function, thereby weakening democratic checks and balances.
However, Senate President Godswill Akpabio offered a different view. In a documentary marking two years of the Tinubu administration, Akpabio defended the current relationship between the National Assembly and the executive.
He rejected claims of legislative weakness, insisting that cooperation is key to national development.
“When elected into the National Assembly, whether in the Senate or the House of Representatives, your constituents will not give you boxing gloves. It’s not a boxing tournament. You are there to work in a bipartisan manner for the interest of Nigeria,” Akpabio said.
He emphasised that cordial relations between both arms of government have helped maintain a focus on the country’s progress.
“If you spend all your energy fighting the Executive, who will work for Nigeria?” he asked.
Despite Akpabio’s position, critics argue that legislative independence should not be sacrificed for the sake of harmony.
They believe that parliament must serve as a critical watchdog, especially when executive decisions affect millions of Nigerians.
Mark’s warning comes at a time of increasing public frustration with rising insecurity, economic hardship, and the perceived lack of transparency in governance.
His call for urgent action and a united opposition reflects growing concerns about Nigeria’s democratic health.
With the 2027 elections approaching, the debate over the Nigeria legislature executive relationship is expected to intensify.
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Citizens, civil society, and political actors alike are now watching closely to see whether the legislature will reclaim its role or remain passive.
