CISLAC urges National Assembly to prioritise key reforms as 2026 session begins
By KEMI KASUMU
As the National Assembly resumes legislative activities for the 2026 session, the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has called on lawmakers to prioritise governance, accountability, and critical reforms, warning against the dangers of premature electioneering ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
In a statement issued on Monday January 26, 2026, CISLAC’s Executive Director, Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani), described 2026 as a pivotal year for both the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration and the 10th National Assembly, noting that Nigerians now expect concrete results from policies and programmes introduced since 2023.
Rafsanjani said that while citizens initially showed patience with the administration, often attributing socio-economic and democratic challenges to the transition phase of a new government, 2026 represents a period of maturity that demands measurable outcomes.
He stressed that the National Assembly has a critical role to play in ensuring that policies translate into tangible benefits for citizens.
CISLAC expressed concern that the approach of the 2027 General Elections could negatively affect legislative productivity, a trend historically associated with heightened political activities in pre-election years. The organisation also warned that public anxiety could intensify if proposals to conduct general elections as early as November 2026 are pursued.
According to Rafsanjani, Nigerians are increasingly worried that governance may once again be undermined by politicking and electioneering at a time when the country is facing economic hardship, worsening insecurity, rising public debt, governance deficits, and declining public trust in institutions.
CISLAC maintained that these challenges require a fully functional, responsive, and accountable National Assembly, rather than one perceived as politically distracted, absentee, or operating merely as a rubber stamp for the executive.
Outlining its expectations for the 2026 legislative year, CISLAC urged lawmakers to prioritise attendance at plenary sessions, committee work, and oversight functions, cautioning against frequent absences and prolonged recesses linked to political ambitions.
The organisation also called for the fast-tracking of critical legislative reforms, particularly electoral, economic, security, and governance-related bills. Drawing lessons from the 2023 general elections, CISLAC emphasised that electoral reform remains a major demand of Nigerians and should not be delayed.
In addition, CISLAC underscored the importance of strengthened legislative oversight to enhance transparency and accountability, especially in budget implementation, public procurement, and the management of public funds. Rafsanjani warned that failure to exercise effective oversight would further entrench public perception of the Assembly as a rubber stamp institution.
CISLAC further cautioned lawmakers against allowing the 2027 election cycle to derail their constitutional responsibilities.
“Nigerians elected lawmakers to legislate and provide oversight, not to abandon governance long before the official campaign period,” Rafsanjani said, adding that the legislature remains the backbone of any democratic system.
He said that in 2026, the National Assembly must demonstrate integrity, discipline, and a firm commitment to the public interest.
CISLAC reaffirmed its readiness to engage constructively with the National Assembly and other stakeholders to advance reforms aimed at strengthening democracy, accountability, and good governance in Nigeria.
