Senator Ali Ndume has voiced deep concern over the current state of Nigeria’s upper legislative chamber, saying it has effectively lost its deliberative essence and now functions as a rubber stamp for the executive arm of government.
Appearing on Arise TV, Ndume condemned what he described as the erosion of democratic checks and balances, warning that the National Assembly has become a mere appendage of the presidency. “The government is now personalised and privatised,” he declared, adding that the Senate no longer carries out its constitutional role of scrutinising executive actions.
Ndume’s remarks spotlight growing apprehension over the independence of the legislature under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration, with critics warning that the concentration of power may undermine Nigeria’s democratic foundations.
The senator also took aim at President Tinubu’s foreign policy, describing the recent exit of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) as a major diplomatic blunder. He said the regional bloc's inability to manage its internal political rifts reflects poorly on Nigeria’s leadership role in West Africa.
“The withdrawal of these countries is a clear sign of diplomatic failure,” Ndume said. “It signals a breakdown in regional engagement and dialogue.”
His comments come amid rising criticism of both domestic governance and Nigeria’s standing in regional politics, with many calling for a reawakening of the Senate’s oversight duties and a more tactful approach to international diplomacy.