In a recent interview on Arise Television, constitutional lawyer and political analyst, Sam Amadi, who serves as the Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thoughts, raised a serious concern about the state of Nigeria’s democracy.

Amadi’s central criticism targets the National Assembly, which he accuses of consistently overriding constitutional provisions. This, he warns, undermines the very foundations upon which democratic governance is built.

The Heart of Democracy

At its core, democracy rests on a simple but powerful principle: elected representatives who deliberate on behalf of the citizens they serve. The legislature is meant to be the voice of the people—a chamber where diverse interests are weighed, debated, and translated into laws that reflect the public will.

When that institution begins to disregard the rules that govern it, the entire democratic system suffers.

A Legislature Serving the Executive?

Amadi points to a troubling pattern: the National Assembly, largely composed of members from the ruling party, frequently supports executive bills aimed at advancing the president’s agenda. In doing so, elected representatives appear to be prioritizing party loyalty over their constitutional duty to scrutinize and balance executive power.

This creates a situation where the separation of powers—a cornerstone of modern governance—becomes little more than a formality.

Two Kinds of Attacks on Democracy

The political analyst drew a sharp distinction between two ways democracy can be undermined.

On one hand, there are overt attempts to overthrow democratic systems through military coups. These are widely condemned, and genuine efforts are made to prosecute those responsible.

But on the other hand, Amadi warns of something far more insidious: the quiet, gradual erosion of democratic norms from within. When a legislature consistently ignores constitutional provisions, it decomposes the democratic fabric without firing a single shot.

Why This Matters

Coups make headlines and draw international condemnation. But internal erosion is often overlooked precisely because it happens slowly, within the framework of existing institutions.

The danger, Amadi suggests, is that a nation can lose its democratic character piece by piece—through laws passed without proper deliberation, through representatives who serve the executive rather than the electorate, and through a legislature that treats its own constitution as a mere suggestion.

A Call for Vigilance

Amadi’s remarks serve as a reminder that democracy requires constant vigilance. It is not enough to hold elections or maintain the outward trappings of democratic institutions. The real test lies in whether those institutions honour the rules that gave them life.

For Nigerians—and for citizens of any democracy—the question is whether we are paying enough attention to the erosion happening from within, even as we focus our energy on the more visible threats from outside.