Abbas: Public Institutions Involved in Elections Must be Neutral

Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the house of representatives, has called on all public institutions involved in the electoral process to remain neutral in the discharge of their duties.

Speaking on the floor of the green chamber on Tuesday at the resumption of plenary after recess, Abbas said the electoral process must be safeguarded through the application of the Electoral Act.

Abbas also said the growing political activities ahead of the 2027 elections must not distract lawmakers from their constitutional responsibilities.

“Every public institution involved in the elections must act with neutrality, competence and restraint,” Abbas said.

“Our conduct must justify their confidence. Debate may be vigorous, but it must remain responsible. Political competition must not displace our constitutional duties.”

Abbas also cautioned lawmakers against allowing political ambitions to undermine their legislative responsibilities as the 10th assembly enters its fourth year.

“Whatever our political affiliations or personal ambitions, we remain members of one house. We are bound by one constitution and one oath. The campaign must never become more important than the country,” he said.

Abbas said the parliament would prioritise concluding the constitutional review process, preparing for the 2027 budget, and considering bills and requests transmitted by President Bola Tinubu.

He identified the state police bill, the reserved seats for women bill and other outstanding constitutional amendment bills as proposals requiring sustained engagement with the senate and state houses of assembly.

Abbas urged the executive to submit the medium-term expenditure framework promptly to give lawmakers sufficient time to scrutinise the proposal and ensure its timely passage.

Reviewing the performance of the 10th assembly, Abbas said the house had received 2,747 bills and passed 363 by the middle of June 2026.

He said the rate of bill passage increased from about seven percent in the first session to approximately 26 percent in the third session, adding that an internal assessment showed that the lower legislative chamber had completed between 65 and 70 percent of the principal milestones in its legislative agenda.

Abbas, however, noted that legislative success should be measured by the impact of laws, motions, investigations and oversight activities on the lives of Nigerians rather than the volume of bills passed.

“A law must solve a problem. A motion must lead to action. An investigation must protect the public interest. Oversight must improve the management of public resources. Our true record lies in the effect of our work on the lives of Nigerians,” he said.

Abbas said the house would publish its full legislative scorecard and legacy report before the end of the assembly to enable Nigerians to assess its performance against its commitments.

The presiding officer of the green chamber said despite the gains recorded by President Bola Tinubu’s administration, the government must translate improved economic stability into affordable food, productive employment, accessible credit and reliable public services.

The speaker urged lawmakers to remain committed to their duties despite the increasing demands of the political season, adding that their constituents deserved a full term of service.