By The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has called for a firm and measured response to unconstitutional changes of government in West Africa.
He said the world is watching the state of democracy in the region and warned that recent political developments demand urgent attention.
Speaker Abbas spoke on Monday in Abuja at the opening of the 2026 First Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament.
He said many people in ECOWAS countries reject military rule, despite recent coups in some parts of the region.
According to him, democracy in West Africa now faces serious tests. He noted that fewer people are voting, and trust in public institutions is dropping.
“We have seen several unconstitutional changes of government. This shows that our institutions are under pressure. We must respond carefully but firmly,” he said.
The Speaker stressed that elections alone are not enough. He said governments must also deliver real results to the people.
He listed security, economic stability, and fairness as key expectations from citizens.
“When governments fail to deliver, it creates room for instability,” he added.
Speaker Abbas said the ECOWAS Parliament must play a stronger role. He urged the body to go beyond discussions and take actions that reflect the needs of the people.
He also called for more powers for the Parliament, including stronger oversight and a bigger role in decision-making across the region.
The Speaker highlighted the importance of national parliaments, saying they help to make laws, check the executive, and serve the people.
“Active parliaments strengthen democracy. Weak ones weaken it,” he said.
Speaking on Nigeria, Abbas said the National Assembly is working to improve lawmaking, oversight, and public engagement.
He added that the House of Representatives has introduced measures to boost transparency and focus on key issues like the economy, security, and social welfare.
The Speaker also spoke about Parliamentary Friendship Groups. He said they help countries work together and share ideas.
He revealed that Nigeria has created over 40 of such groups and urged other ECOWAS countries to do the same.
At the regional level, he said ECOWAS must focus on action, not just plans.
He called for stronger early warning systems, peer review, and support for member states.
Speaker Abbas listed three key priorities: governments must deliver results, leaders must be accountable, and regional agreements must lead to real action.
