Senate minority leader Abba Moro has raised concerns about the recently held party primaries, warning that undermining internal party democracy threatens Nigeria’s democracy.
According to him, the dominance of powerful political actors in candidate selection has weakened democratic participation and denied many experienced lawmakers the opportunity to return to the National Assembly in 2027.
Mr Moro, who represents Benue South senatorial district, made this known in an interview in Abuja on Friday.
He revealed that more than 55 serving senators failed to secure tickets during primaries held by their respective parties, a development he said could undermine institutional memory and legislative experience.
“Democracy becomes the casualty when party processes toward the election of standard bearers are manipulated.
“We must take deliberate steps to deepen internal democracy and strengthen democratic traditions if Nigeria is to achieve the level of democratic development its people desire,” he said.
Speaking on the 10th Senate’s third anniversary, which is June 9, Mr Moro called for deliberate and far-reaching measures to strengthen democratic institutions.
He said that while notable legislative milestones had been achieved, sustaining Nigeria’s democracy would require stronger institutions.
“Adherence to democratic norms and policies that directly improve the welfare of citizens will also be required,” he said.
He insisted that Nigeria must continuously reform its political and governance systems to safeguard and deepen democracy.
The lawmaker said the legislature remained central to promoting accountability, inclusiveness and good governance in the country.
Mr Moro said the Senate’s performance over the last three years demonstrated a commitment to its constitutional responsibilities, particularly in lawmaking, oversight and representation.
According to him, by its second anniversary, the Senate had received and processed more than 844 bills, with over 500 passed and transmitted for presidential assent.
He noted that the number had now exceeded 1,000 bills at various stages of legislative consideration, underscoring the 10th Senate’s productivity.
“The 10th Senate can beat its chest and say that it has worked very hard in critical areas of legislative responsibility.
“In terms of bills, motions and petitions received and processed, the Senate has been very forthcoming,” he said.
Mr Moro argued that the volume of legislative work undertaken by the Senate reflected efforts to deepen democratic governance and strengthen institutions.
He noted that the legislature has continued to provide a platform for addressing national issues through debates, motions and legislative interventions.
The minority leader, however, acknowledged that passing laws alone was not enough, stressing that the ultimate measure of success should be in how such legislation translates into policies that improve the lives of Nigerians.
He said that, despite the achievements recorded by the Senate, citizens still grapple with challenges such as poverty, unemployment, inadequate infrastructure, and an unstable electricity supply.
“These are issues that require stronger collaboration between the legislature and the executive arms of government.
“The concern of Nigerians is not just the number of bills passed, but whether those laws and policies address the realities of hardship in the country,” he said.
On the role of the opposition in the 10th Senate, Mr Moro defended what he described as a strategy of constructive engagement rather than confrontational politics.
He said opposition lawmakers had pursued diplomacy and behind-the-scenes interventions to safeguard democratic principles and strengthen parliamentary institutions.
As an example, he cited efforts by opposition senators to ensure that the Senate committee on public accounts remained under the leadership of an opposition lawmaker in line with parliamentary convention.
This, he said, followed the former chairman’s defection to the ruling party.
(NAN)
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