Nigeria's democracy 'nosediving,' lawmakers warn of constitutional breaches

Nigeria's democracy is "nosediving," according to a bipartisan group of House of Representatives members who have raised alarms over alleged constitutional breaches, persistent budget under-implementation, opaque public expenditure, worsening insecurity, and growing economic hardship.

The lawmakers, operating under the banner of the Save Democracy Group, urged the National Assembly leadership to convene an emergency session to address what they described as mounting threats to constitutional governance and public accountability. They argued that the legislative body could no longer remain in recess while critical questions about the economy, security, public spending, and the rule of law remain unresolved.

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Nigeria’s democracy is nosediving, and silence in the face of repeated constitutional violations and institutional failures can no longer be justified.

"Nigeria’s democracy is nosediving, and silence in the face of repeated constitutional violations and institutional failures can no longer be justified," the group stated Friday. Signed by Awaji-Inombek Abiante and two others, the statement emphasized the group's commitment to constitutional governance, legislative independence, accountability, and the rule of law, asserting it is neither an opposition platform nor aligned with any specific political interest.

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The Constitution cannot be altered by presumption, improvisation or undisclosed voting arrangements.

The group specifically cited concerns over recent handling of constitutional and legislative procedures. They pointed to the National Assembly's approval of a state of emergency in Rivers State in March 2025, alleging that voice votes were used despite a constitutional requirement for a two-thirds majority. They also questioned the reported passage of the Executive State Police Constitutional Alteration Bill on July 23, 2026, disputing the announced vote count and the inclusion of votes from absent members transmitted via WhatsApp.

While acknowledging the potential desirability of state police, the lawmakers stressed that any constitutional alteration must adhere strictly to legal procedures. "State police may be desirable, but a desirable reform must still be established through a lawful process," the group argued. They accused public institutions of increasingly prioritizing political convenience over constitutional procedures, due process, and citizen welfare.

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State police may be desirable, but a desirable reform must still be established through a lawful process.