Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honourable Abbas Tajudeen, has renewed calls to strengthen the mandate of the ECOWAS Parliament, advocating for its transformation from an advisory body into one with enhanced legislative authority. Speaking at the opening of the First Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament for 2026, held in Abuja on Monday, Abbas emphasized the need for greater oversight capacity and a more direct role in regional decision-making.
Call for Enhanced Legislative Powers
Abbas stated, "It must function not only as a deliberative body but as a platform for aligning democratic practice with the expectations of citizens across member states. It is important to acknowledge that this question of relevance is not new." He argued that a parliament with limited influence cannot adequately respond to a region facing democratic reversals, security pressures, and economic uncertainty. Strengthening the powers, relevance, and operational capacity of the institution is a strategic necessity for regional stability, not merely a procedural ambition.
"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," Abbas added.
Democratic Institutions Under Scrutiny
The call for an empowered regional parliament comes amid shaky democratic institutions across the region. Abbas noted that democracy is under close examination, with citizens questioning whether democratic governance produces outcomes they can recognize and trust. He observed declining voter participation and weakened public confidence in several countries, alongside unconstitutional changes of government that signal 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. The issue is whether democratic systems are delivering sufficiently to sustain that preference. This places a premium on performance," Abbas said.
He stressed that electoral legitimacy must be matched by governance outcomes. Security, economic stability, and fairness in public administration are no longer aspirational goals but the basis on which citizens evaluate the state's credibility. Where these are absent, the space for disruption expands.
ECOWAS Parliament Speaker's Remarks
In her opening remarks, Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Hon. Hadja Memounatou Ibrahima, affirmed that developments within the region reaffirm democracy as the unshakeable foundation of the community. She congratulated the newly elected President of Benin, Mr. Romuald Wadagni, and reminded Cabo Verde and Guinea, whose legislative elections are scheduled for later this month, that every free and fair election strengthens the region's credibility, democratic resilience, and the legitimacy of national assemblies.
Ibrahima stated, "The Parliament places high value on stability and peace within our West African sub-region. Accordingly, it condemns the terrorist attacks carried out on April 25 in several localities in the Republic of Mali and expresses its solidarity with the Malian people."
She noted that the session is taking place at a time of international tensions and violent conflicts in the Middle East, Europe, and Africa, which drive inflationary pressures, particularly on foodstuffs and agricultural inputs, affecting already fragile economies. "Moreover, our region continues to suffer from terrorism and violent extremism, maritime piracy, cross-border crime, and the adverse effects of climate change. It is for this reason that I have actively engaged in various international dialogue platforms," she added.
Ibrahima emphasized that these major gatherings shared a common objective: to underscore the urgent need to consolidate peace in a world undergoing rapid transformation and geopolitical realignment. "Faced with the multiplication of flashpoints, no region is immune. The message must be clear – peace cannot be decreed; it must be patiently built through dialogue, cooperation and mutual respect."
The Speaker urged her colleagues to echo this imperative to their member states and partners. According to her, the Parliament must contribute meaningfully to a broader reflection on the future of regional integration. "Our session must therefore produce bold resolutions and informed opinions commensurate with the challenges before us," she admonished.
