Evidence shows West African citizens reject military rule – Abbas

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, on Monday, cautioned against the resurgence of unconstitutional changes of government in West Africa, insisting that democracy remains the preferred system across the sub-region despite recent setbacks.

Abbas spoke in Abuja at the opening of the 2026 First Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament (Sixth Legislature), where lawmakers and parliamentary leaders from across member states gathered to deliberate on regional challenges.

His remarks come against the backdrop of a string of military takeovers that have shaken the Economic Community of West African States in recent years.

Since 2020, coups in Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso and, more recently, Niger have disrupted democratic governance, prompting widespread regional and international condemnation.

ECOWAS responded with sanctions, diplomatic pressure and, in the case of Niger’s 2023 coup, threats of military intervention to restore constitutional order.

The African Union and global partners, including the United Nations, also condemned the coups, warning of a dangerous rollback of democratic gains in the region.

Despite these efforts, several of the affected countries have since formed alternative alliances and delayed transitions back to civilian rule, raising fresh concerns about regional stability.

Against this backdrop, Abbas said the trend reflects deeper governance challenges rather than a rejection of democracy itself.

“Across West Africa, democratic systems are under close examination. The concern is no longer limited to the conduct of elections. It extends to the broader question of whether democratic governance is producing outcomes that citizens can recognise and trust.

“In several countries within the sub-region, voter participation has declined, and public confidence in institutions has weakened.

“At the same time, we have witnessed a number of unconstitutional changes of government, each of which signals underlying institutional stress. These developments require a direct and measured response.

“The issue is not whether democracy remains the preferred system of governance. Evidence across the region continues to show that citizens reject military rule,” Abbas said.

He stressed that electoral victories alone are no longer sufficient to sustain legitimacy, warning that poor governance creates openings for political instability.

“Electoral legitimacy must be matched by governance outcomes,” he said, adding that security, economic stability and fairness in public administration “are no longer aspirational goals; they are the basis on which citizens evaluate the state’s credibility. Where these are absent, the space for disruption expands.”

The Speaker noted that the role of the regional parliament is becoming increasingly critical at a time of democratic strain, arguing that it must evolve beyond a purely advisory body.

“It is important to acknowledge that this question of relevance is not new. Over the years, there have been sustained efforts within the community to strengthen the mandate of the Parliament, including proposals to move it from an advisory body towards one with enhanced legislative authority, greater oversight capacity, and a more direct role in regional decision-making,” he said.

According to him, strengthening the institution is essential to safeguarding democratic governance in the sub-region.

“A more empowered Parliament would enhance accountability within the Community, deepen citizen representation at the regional level, and provide a stronger democratic anchor in times of stress,” he stated.

Abbas also highlighted the role of national legislatures, describing them as the frontline institutions for sustaining democratic accountability.

“Where parliaments are active and responsive, democratic systems are strengthened. Where they are passive, institutional balance is weakened,” he said.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s experience, Abbas said the National Assembly has sought to improve legislative performance and public engagement under his leadership, with a focus on economic reform, security and social protection.

He pointed to the expansion of Parliamentary Friendship Groups—now covering more than 40 countries—as part of efforts to deepen legislative diplomacy and cooperation.

“These platforms facilitate structured engagement with legislatures in other countries, enabling the exchange of experiences, coordination of positions, and the development of shared approaches to common challenges. Their impact is already visible in improved legislative cooperation and dialogue.

“I wish to make a strong case for institutionalising similar mechanisms across the sub-region to complement the work of the ECOWAS Parliament and reinforce inter-parliamentary collaboration,” he added.

At the regional level, Abbas acknowledged that ECOWAS has already developed frameworks to support democratic governance but stressed the need for stronger implementation.

“The focus now must be on implementation,” he said, calling for strengthened early warning systems, peer review mechanisms and technical support for member states.

He outlined three immediate priorities for the region: ensuring democratic systems deliver measurable outcomes, upholding political accountability, and translating regional agreements into sustained action.