ADC Accuses Tinubu Administration of Weakening Democratic Checks and Balances

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Has Nigeria’s Balance of Power Been Compromised?

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has questioned whether Nigeria’s constitutional system of checks and balances is functioning as intended, alleging that the country’s three arms of government are no longer operating independently under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

The opposition party argues that the relationship between the executive, legislature and judiciary has weakened institutional oversight, raising concerns about accountability in governance.

Why the Party Says the Issue Matters

According to the ADC, the Constitution establishes separate responsibilities for each arm of government to ensure that no single institution exercises unchecked authority.

The party maintains that when those institutions fail to perform their oversight responsibilities independently, democratic safeguards are weakened and public confidence in governance may be affected.

ADC Questions Independence of State Institutions

Speaking during an interview on Symfoni TV, the party’s National Publicity spokesman, Bolaji Abdullahi, alleged that the executive, legislature and judiciary have increasingly acted in ways that favour the preferences of the President.

He argued that the constitutional principle of checks and balances has gradually diminished, claiming that institutions expected to scrutinise government actions have instead aligned themselves with the executive.

According to Abdullahi, this development represents a departure from the constitutional framework designed to prevent excessive concentration of political authority.

Criticism Extends to Budget Implementation and Court Orders

Abdullahi also criticised the administration’s handling of national budgets, arguing that multiple budget cycles have remained active without full implementation.

He further referred to reports of unbudgeted government expenditure, questioning whether such actions deserved greater legislative scrutiny.

The ADC spokesman also alleged that the Federal Government had on several occasions failed to comply with court orders, arguing that stronger institutional oversight should exist whenever questions arise regarding compliance with the law.

Claims Against the National Assembly

The opposition party further accused the National Assembly, led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, of failing to exercise its constitutional oversight responsibilities.

According to Abdullahi, Parliament should serve as an independent institution capable of scrutinising executive decisions rather than merely endorsing government actions.

He also claimed that actions affecting opposition political parties and ongoing legal disputes reflected broader concerns about Nigeria’s democratic environment.

Constitutional Debate Takes Centre Stage

At the centre of the ADC’s criticism is not only the conduct of the current administration but also the broader constitutional question of institutional independence.

The party argues that democratic governance depends on each arm of government exercising its constitutional responsibilities without undue influence, particularly in areas involving public finance, judicial compliance and legislative oversight.

The allegations made by the ADC represent its assessment of the current political environment. The Federal Government has consistently maintained that its actions are in accordance with the law and the Constitution.

Political Significance

As political parties continue positioning ahead of the 2027 general election, debates over accountability, institutional independence and constitutional governance are expected to remain prominent campaign issues.

The exchange also highlights how governance and democratic oversight are increasingly becoming central themes in Nigeria’s evolving political discourse rather than matters confined solely to electoral competition.

Do you think Nigeria’s constitutional checks and balances are functioning effectively, or should the relationship between the three arms of government be strengthened? Share your views in the comments.