Former Kaduna Central senator, Shehu Sani, has reignited conversations about legislative accountability in Nigeria after announcing plans to return to the Senate, arguing that voters pay too little attention to the quality of representation in the National Assembly compared to presidential politics.
Speaking during an interview on Sunday Politics on Sunday, Sani said his decision to seek another term was driven by what he described as a continuing responsibility to represent his people. He noted that Nigeria’s constitution does not place limits on how many times an individual can contest for seats in the Senate or House of Representatives.
The former lawmaker used the interview to shift focus toward the influence lawmakers have on governance, insisting that the performance and independence of the legislature remain critical to democratic stability. According to him, many Nigerians concentrate heavily on presidential elections while overlooking the impact senators and representatives have on national policies and oversight.
Sani said effective governance depends not only on the leadership of the executive arm, but also on the strength and integrity of parliament. He argued that a Senate capable of acting independently and defending institutional values could help improve accountability and public trust in government decisions.
His remarks come at a time when political consultations and alignments are gradually building ahead of the 2027 general election, with former office holders and serving politicians positioning for possible returns to elective office across the country. Analysts say conversations around legislative effectiveness are also gaining prominence as citizens demand stronger oversight on economic and security issues.
While Sani did not formally declare the platform under which he intends to contest, he maintained that public service remains tied to the confidence of constituents. He said elected lawmakers must be judged by how well they defend the interests of the people, stressing that representation at both state and federal levels should carry the same weight Nigerians attach to the presidency.
