Jane Salihu
The Senate Minority Leader and Senator representing Benue South, Abba Moro, has called for reforms aimed at strengthening internal democracy within political parties, saying the recently concluded party primaries have highlighted the need for greater adherence to democratic principles.
Speaking during an interview with journalists, Moro said while the primaries had come and gone, the processes and outcomes in some instances showed that there was still significant work to be done in deepening democracy within the nation’s political parties.
According to him, internal party democracy remains a critical pillar of Nigeria’s democratic system and must be protected to ensure fairness, inclusiveness and confidence in the electoral process.
The lawmaker noted that many aspirants who participated in the primaries did not emerge victorious, not necessarily because they lacked support, but due to circumstances surrounding the conduct of the exercises in some states.
He stressed the importance of ensuring that decisions reached through established party procedures and consultations reflect the wishes of party members at the grassroots.
Moro expressed concern over situations where outcomes from primary elections conducted at constituency and state levels appeared to differ from final decisions announced by party leadership, saying greater transparency would help strengthen public trust in the process.
He emphasized that adherence to laid-down rules and democratic practices remains essential to the growth and stability of the country’s democratic institutions.
The senator also raised concerns about the impact of the primaries on legislative continuity, noting that a considerable number of serving lawmakers did not secure tickets to return to the National Assembly.
According to him, experienced legislators play an important role in preserving institutional memory and mentoring younger lawmakers, making continuity an important consideration in democratic governance.
Speaking on the performance of the 10th Senate, Moro said the chamber had recorded significant achievements in legislative activities, with over 1,000 bills processed at various stages since its inauguration.
He recalled that by its second anniversary, the Senate had received and processed more than 844 bills, with over 500 already passed and transmitted for presidential assent.
While commending the Senate’s legislative output, he maintained that the ultimate goal of lawmaking should be to improve the lives of Nigerians through effective policies and programmes.
Moro observed that challenges such as poverty, unemployment, inadequate power supply and infrastructural deficits remain pressing concerns, underscoring the need for stronger collaboration between the legislature and the executive to address them.
The Minority Leader also defended the role of the opposition in the National Assembly, describing opposition politics as a responsibility that should focus on constructive engagement and practical solutions rather than constant public confrontation.
According to him, opposition lawmakers have continued to engage the leadership of government and the National Assembly on issues affecting governance and parliamentary practices, often achieving results through dialogue and institutional engagement.
He cited recent efforts by opposition lawmakers to ensure compliance with parliamentary conventions regarding the leadership of the Senate Public Accounts Committee as an example of constructive engagement within the legislature.
Moro called on political parties, elected officials and other stakeholders to remain committed to strengthening democratic institutions and processes, expressing optimism that sustained reforms would deepen democracy and enhance governance in the country.
He urged all political actors to place national interest above personal ambitions and work towards building a democratic culture that promotes fairness, transparency and accountability.
“The more we adhere to procedures and democratic practices, the better it will be for our system and for the development of our democracy,” he said
