From Femi Mistapha, in Kaduna
The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has called on the 10th National Assembly to refocus on governance, accountability, and critical reforms as it resumes legislative duties for the 2026 session.
In a statement issued on Monday and made available to the media in Kaduna, CISLAC’s Executive Director, Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani), emphasized that Nigerians expect tangible outcomes from the policies and programs introduced since 2023.
“CISLAC is urging the National Assembly to prioritize governance and accountability and to resist the temptation of early electioneering ahead of the 2027 General Elections,” Rafsanjani said.
“Nigerians are worried that governance may be sacrificed on the altar of politicking and electioneering, and we share their concerns.”
CISLAC expressed concern that 2026 precedes the 2027 General Elections, a period historically associated with declining legislative productivity.
The organization warned that public anxiety could deepen if the proposal to conduct general elections as early as November 2026 is pursued.
According to CISLAC, the current national challenges demand a fully functional, responsive, and accountable National Assembly.
The organization outlined key priority areas for lawmakers, including remaining committed to plenary sessions, committee engagements, and oversight responsibilities, and fast-tracking critical legislative reforms, particularly electoral, economic, security, and governance-related bills.
CISLAC also emphasized 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 Assembly as a rubber-stamp institution.
The organization cautioned the National Assembly against becoming an early casualty of the 2027 election cycle, saying, “Nigerians elected lawmakers to legislate and provide oversight, not to abandon governance long before the official campaign period.”
CISLAC reaffirmed its readiness to engage constructively with the National Assembly and other stakeholders to advance reforms that strengthen democracy, accountability, and good governance in Nigeria.
