The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has called for a direct and measured response to unconstitutional changes of government in West Africa, warning that democratic systems in the sub-region are under increasing scrutiny.
Speaking at the opening of the 2026 First Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament in Abuja on Monday, Abbas said recent political developments across the region reflect deeper institutional challenges that must be addressed.
He noted that while democracy remains the preferred system of governance among citizens of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), declining voter turnout and weakening public confidence in institutions indicate growing dissatisfaction.
According to the Speaker, concerns about democracy now extend beyond elections to whether governance is delivering outcomes that citizens can recognise and trust.
“Across West Africa, democratic systems are under close examination,” Abbas said, noting that recent unconstitutional changes of government signal underlying institutional stress.
He stressed, however, that evidence across the region shows citizens continue to reject military rule, reinforcing the need to strengthen democratic institutions.
Abbas argued that electoral legitimacy must be matched with tangible governance outcomes such as security, economic stability, and fairness in public administration.
He warned that where these are absent, the likelihood of instability and political disruption increases.
The Speaker emphasised the growing importance of the ECOWAS Parliament, urging it to evolve beyond a deliberative platform into a more impactful institution in regional governance.
-He renewed calls to strengthen the Parliament’s mandate through enhanced legislative authority, improved oversight capacity, and a greater role in decision-making processes.
At the national level, Abbas highlighted the role of parliaments in sustaining democracy, noting that active legislatures strengthen accountability, while passive ones weaken institutional balance.
He also advocated the adoption of parliamentary friendship groups across the sub-region, citing Nigeria’s House of Representatives’ engagement with over 40 countries as a model for deepening legislative cooperation and regional integration.
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