Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has alleged that the administration of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari deliberately obstructed the legislative activities of the 8th National Assembly, which he led from 2015 to 2019. Saraki claimed that his refusal to engage in political compromises with the executive branch led to persistent harassment and sabotage of the Senate’s efforts.
Speaking at the 2025 Reunion Gala of the King’s College Old Boys Association (KCOBA) in Houston, Texas, Saraki recounted the challenges faced by the legislature during his tenure. He asserted that the executive’s actions were aimed at weakening the Senate’s autonomy and stifling its oversight functions.
“The legislature under my leadership was silenced, harassed, assaulted, bullied, and blackmailed,” Saraki stated. “The executive deliberately frustrated the passage of good laws, initiatives, and recommendations that would have been highly beneficial to our society.”
Saraki emphasized that his commitment to legislative independence and accountability was met with resistance from the executive. He noted that had he acquiesced to all of President Buhari’s demands, he would have been celebrated as a loyal ally. However, his insistence on due process and scrutiny of executive actions led to a strained relationship between the two branches of government.
“Why would I be a Senate President and could not lead the Senate to ask questions on what the loans the executive branch is seeking approval is meant to be spent for?” Saraki questioned.
The former Senate President also criticized the public and elite for their silence during the period of executive overreach, suggesting that this lack of support emboldened the executive to undermine the legislature further. He warned that such apathy could have long-term detrimental effects on Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
“We were like orphans,” Saraki lamented. “The elite and ordinary people kept quiet and nonchalant over the actions of the Buhari-led Executive.”
Saraki’s tenure as Senate President was marked by several confrontations with the executive branch. Notably, the Senate under his leadership refused to confirm certain presidential nominees, including the then-acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu, citing concerns over integrity and due process.
Additionally, Saraki faced legal challenges during his time in office, including charges of false asset declaration. He consistently denied any wrongdoing, describing the charges as politically motivated. In 2018, the Supreme Court of Nigeria cleared him of all charges, affirming that his asset declarations were accurate.
The 8th National Assembly, inaugurated on June 9, 2015, was composed of 109 senators and 360 members of the House of Representatives. Despite the challenges, the assembly passed several significant bills and conducted oversight functions aimed at promoting transparency and accountability in governance.
Saraki’s recent remarks have reignited discussions about the balance of power between Nigeria’s executive and legislative branches. His experiences underscore the importance of safeguarding the independence of the legislature to ensure effective checks and balances within the democratic system.
As Nigeria continues to navigate its democratic journey, the lessons from the 8th National Assembly serve as a reminder of the need for vigilance in protecting institutional autonomy and promoting good governance.
