Speaker Warns Against Military Coups, Says West Africans Prefer Democracy

The Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has cautioned West African leaders against the rising wave of military takeovers, arguing that available evidence shows citizens across the sub-region still reject unconstitutional rule.

Speaking on Monday in Abuja at the opening of the 2026 First Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament, Abbas acknowledged that democratic systems are under pressure but insisted that democracy remains the preferred choice for West Africans.

His warning follows a series of coups in Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, and Niger since 2020, which have triggered sanctions, diplomatic actions, and threats of military intervention from ECOWAS. Despite these efforts, several affected countries have formed alternative alliances and delayed returns to civilian rule.

Abbas noted that declining voter turnout and weakening public trust in institutions point to deeper governance failures rather than outright rejection of democracy. He stressed that electoral victories alone no longer guarantee legitimacy, and that poor governance creates openings for instability.

“Security, economic stability, and fairness in public administration are no longer just aspirations they are the basis on which citizens judge their government,” he said.

The Speaker called for strengthening the ECOWAS Parliament beyond its current advisory role, arguing that a more empowered legislature would enhance accountability and deepen citizen representation. He also highlighted the role of national parliaments as frontline defenders of democracy.

Drawing from Nigeria’s experience, Abbas pointed to efforts under his leadership to improve legislative performance, including expanding Parliamentary Friendship Groups to over 40 countries to foster legislative diplomacy.

He outlined three immediate priorities for the region: ensuring democratic systems deliver measurable results, upholding political accountability, and turning regional agreements into sustained action.