By Nkechi Eze
As the National Assembly resumes legislative activities for the 2026 session, the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has called on the 10th National Assembly to place national interest above political calculations by prioritising governance, accountability and far-reaching legislative reforms, while resisting the pull of early electioneering ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Executive Director of CISLAC, Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani), described 2026 as a defining year for both the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration and the current legislature, stressing that Nigerians are no longer content with promises and policy declarations, but now expect tangible and measurable outcomes from initiatives introduced since 2023.
He noted that although citizens demonstrated considerable patience during the early phase of the administration often attributing prevailing socio-economic and democratic challenges to the teething problems of a new government, 2026 represents a period of maturity when policies must begin to deliver visible benefits to ordinary Nigerians.
CISLAC expressed concern that the 2026 legislative year precedes the 2027 General Elections, a period historically associated with declining legislative productivity as political activities intensify. The organisation warned that public anxiety could be further deepened if proposals to conduct general elections as early as November 2026 are pursued, as this could significantly shorten the effective governance window.
According to the organisation, Nigerians are increasingly worried that governance may once again be sacrificed on the altar of politicking and electioneering at a time when the country is battling severe economic hardship, worsening insecurity, rising public debt, governance deficits and declining public trust in institutions.
CISLAC stressed that these national challenges require a fully functional, responsive and accountable National Assembly, rather than a legislature perceived as absentee, politically distracted or reduced to merely endorsing executive decisions.
As part of its expectations for the 2026 legislative year, CISLAC urged lawmakers to demonstrate stronger commitment to their constitutional responsibilities by maintaining regular attendance at plenary sessions, actively participating in committee work and diligently carrying out oversight functions. The organisation cautioned against frequent absences and unnecessary recesses driven by political ambitions.
The group also called for the fast tracking of critical legislative reforms, particularly in the areas of electoral processes, the economy, national security and governance. Drawing lessons from the conduct of the 2023 General Elections, CISLAC maintained that comprehensive electoral reform remains one of the most urgent demands of Nigerian citizens and should not be postponed.
In addition, CISLAC emphasised the need for strengthened legislative oversight to promote transparency and accountability, especially in budget implementation, public procurement and the management of public funds. Rafsanjani warned that failure to exercise robust oversight would further entrench public perception of the National Assembly as a rubber stamp institution, rather than an independent arm of government.
The organisation further cautioned the legislature against becoming an early casualty of the 2027 election cycle, stressing that Nigerians elected lawmakers to legislate and provide oversight, not to abandon governance long before the official commencement of campaigns.
CISLAC reiterated that the legislature remains the backbone of any democratic system and urged members of the National Assembly to rise to their responsibilities in 2026 with integrity, discipline and a clear commitment to the public interest.
The organisation also reaffirmed its readiness to engage constructively with the National Assembly and other stakeholders in advancing reforms that strengthen democracy, accountability and good governance in Nigeria.
