Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has accused the administration of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari of harassing, blackmailing, and silencing the 8th National Assembly. Saraki made the allegations at the 2025 Reunion Gala of the King’s College Old Boys Association in Houston, Texas.
According to Saraki, the National Assembly under his leadership was unable to pass impactful legislation due to frustration from the Buhari-led executive. He stated:
“The legislature under my leadership was silenced, harassed, assaulted, bullied, and blackmailed, and the executive deliberately frustrated the passage of good laws, initiatives, and recommendations that would have been highly beneficial to our society.”
Strained Relationship with Buhari’s Administration
Saraki’s relationship with Buhari’s administration was strained, particularly after he defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) shortly after becoming Senate President in 2015. The former Senate President revealed that he could have avoided the tension by agreeing with the Presidency’s demands and cutting deals, but chose not to. He said:
“I could have agreed with everything the Presidency under Buhari wanted and cut deals with them all the way. I would have been a good ally.”
The strained relationship between Saraki’s National Assembly and Buhari’s administration resulted in the legislature being unable to effectively perform its duties. Saraki lamented that the elite and ordinary people remained silent and nonchalant despite the challenges faced by the National Assembly, saying:
“We were like orphans. The elite and ordinary people kept quiet, were nonchalant, and stayed aloof.”
Impact on Legislation
The deliberate frustration of the National Assembly by the executive arm of government hindered the passage of beneficial laws. Saraki argued that the legacy of executive intimidation during his tenure has weakened the legislature, leaving his successors unwilling to challenge the presidency for fear of facing similar treatment.
*Weakening of the Legislature*
Saraki’s accusations shed light on the intricate and often contentious dynamics between the legislative and executive branches of government in Nigeria. The implications of these claims are far-reaching, suggesting a need for greater transparency, cooperation, and accountability in the country’s governance structure.
According to Saraki, the country’s institutions are weak, and instead of building institutions, Nigeria focuses on building strong individuals. He criticized the prevailing mindset among professionals who view politics as “dirty” and unworthy of their engagement, saying:
“These sad developments are indications that our institutions are weak. Instead of building institutions, we are building strong individuals.”
Saraki urged Nigerians to stop seeing politics as too dirty or demanding and to engage more in the political process. He emphasized the importance of principled leadership in fostering a more effective and responsive government, stating:
“Your voice, your resources, and your influence can help good candidates emerge and succeed”.