Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has said a legislature that cannot say “no” to the executive ceases to function as a true parliament, warning that such weakness undermines Nigeria’s democracy and national stability.

Saraki, who spoke at The Platform’s June Forum held at the Lagos Marriott Hotel, Ikeja GRA, said the legislature remains the “load-bearing wall” of democracy, adding that weakening it would threaten governance, development and institutional stability.

“A legislature that cannot say no is not a legislature at all,” he said, adding that routine approval of executive proposals without scrutiny reduces the National Assembly to a ceremonial body.

Saraki said the framers of the Constitution deliberately separated powers to ensure accountability, stressing that friction between the executive, legislature and judiciary is essential to democratic stability.

He said the legislature provides an avenue for resolving national tensions, describing it as a “pressure valve” that allows grievances to be addressed through debate rather than conflict or violence.

Saraki said that in governance, the National Assembly plays a central role in controlling public expenditure through the power of the purse, noting that no government spending is valid without legislative approval.

He dismissed recurring claims of budget padding, saying the legislature is constitutionally empowered to review executive proposals and ensure that national priorities and constituency needs are reflected in the budget.

Saraki also cautioned against violations of appropriation laws, insisting that spending outside approved budgets undermines due process and weakens democratic accountability.

He said the legislature’s approval role extends to borrowing, warning that unchecked debt decisions impose long-term burdens on future generations.

The former Senate President also defended oversight and confirmation powers of the legislature, describing them as critical tools for ensuring accountability and checking executive authority.

He said legislative screening of nominees remains a constitutional responsibility, noting that such decisions fall within the discretion of the Senate.

Saraki called for stronger electoral processes, improved legislative capacity and an end to vote-buying, warning that weak institutions and poor electoral choices threaten democratic consolidation.

He said the country’s democracy can only be sustained through an independent, capable and effective legislature that remains close to the people it represents.