Presidential Hopes, Legislative Realities: A Democracy At Odds
The Presidency Isn’t the Whole Story
POLITICIAL discourse in Nigeria often revolves around the presidency — personalities, manifestos, and party rivalries dominate headlines. But a growing chorus of commentators argues that the real engine room of governance lies elsewhere: the National Assembly.
The legislative arm, made up of the Nigerian Senate and the House of Representatives, determines whether policies live or die. It crafts laws, controls public spending, and holds the executive accountable.
Yet, voter engagement with legislative elections frequently lags behind presidential contests.
Structural Power and Democratic Design
Nigeria’s constitutional democracy is built on separation of powers. The president proposes; the legislature disposes. Even sweeping reform agendas require legislative backing to become enforceable law.
Political observers argue that electing ineffective or ethically compromised lawmakers undermines this design. When legislators prioritise personal gain or partisan loyalty over public interest, oversight weakens and reform stalls.
In such circumstances, the presidency — no matter how visionary — becomes constrained by legislative inertia or collusion.
Accountability Begins at the Ballot
The core message gaining traction is that democratic responsibility is cumulative. Voters cannot expect accountability from the executive while overlooking red flags in legislative candidates.
Calls to reject candidates perceived as corrupt, disengaged, or politically fatigued reflect frustration with recurring governance failures. Critics suggest that meaningful change requires cleaning up the legislature as much as contesting the presidency.
A Shift in Civic Focus
The emerging narrative challenges Nigerians to broaden their electoral scrutiny. Instead of concentrating exclusively on who becomes president, citizens are urged to ask harder questions about who drafts laws, shapes budgets, and influences national priorities.
In a democracy, foundations determine durability. If Nigeria seeks a more responsive presidency, reform advocates argue, it must begin by strengthening the legislative base that sustains it.
The ballot, after all, shapes every branch of government — not just the one that commands the spotlight.
