Lawmakers in Nigeria National Assembly (NASS) has been charged to make sure the 2027 general election is credible.
The call was made as the legislators begin their open week programme in Abuja, Tuesday July 14, 2026 to mark three years of the 10th Assembly with a theme: “Advancing Transparency, Inclusion and Reform.”
NASS were also charged to remain resolute in stronger legislative oversight and greater transparency in governance.
Speaking during the event, the former Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja, John Onaiyekan, reminded the lawmakers to uphold their vows and remember that their legitimacy was derived from the people, adding that they must emerge through credible electoral processes.
He urged them to always place the interests and aspirations of Nigerians above every other consideration, saying members of the National Assembly are representatives of the people.
The Executive Director of the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), Clement Nwankwo, while speaking said the Open Week provided an opportunity to reflect on the achievements of the 10th National Assembly over the past three years and assess the tasks that remain.
While noting that the legislature had shown resilience in responding to emerging national challenges, he stressed that Nigerians expect more from the legislature, particularly in exercising independent oversight of the executive arm of government. He also urged lawmakers to consolidate their legacy by concluding the constitutional amendment process in line with broad national consensus such as strengthening the legal framework for credible elections, passing the Special Seats Bill for Women, advancing reforms that promote inclusion, improving transparency in legislative operations, and ensuring oversight functions are evidence-based and focused on measurable outcomes for citizens.
Among the political stakeholders that spoke include the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Masari;
former Senator Shehu Sani; the Executive Secretary of the National Assembly Library, Henry Nwawuba and others urging the legislators to use the Open Week to reflects on the commitment of the NASS leadership and to strengthening democratic governance.
Meanwhile, the Chief of Staff to the President, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, representing the President, called on the 10th Assembly to have deeper transparency, stronger legislative oversight and greater citizen participation as the 2026 NASS Open Week commenced.
Gbajabiamila described the Open Week as a platform that should go beyond ceremonial activities to foster accountability, dialogue and partnership between parliament and Nigerians.
Gbajabiamila commended the leadership of the National Assembly, led by Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, for sustaining reforms and public engagement initiatives.
In his keynote address Senate President, Godswill Akpabio underscored the essence of the Open Week stating that Parliament was never built to keep the people out, but was built to bring them in, noting that democracy flourishes only in the confidence of an informed and engaged citizenry.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas said the Open Week Initiative is built on the conviction that an open, listening parliament is essential for earning public trust and strengthening public institutions.
The Open Week event serves as a platform to demonstrate the legislature’s commitment to transparency, strengthen public trust and engage stakeholders in the 10th Assembly’s legislative journey.
The three-day event will feature several high-level, people-centered engagements designed to bridge the gap between citizens, the private sector, and policy makers.
