By Chibuike Nwabuko
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has called on the All Progressives Congress (APC) to urgently address the high turnover of lawmakers in the National Assembly, warning that the trend is undermining governance, lawmaking, and democratic progress.
Speaking at the party’s National Convention in Abuja on Friday night, Abbas stressed that continuity in governance must extend beyond the executive arm to include the legislature, which plays a critical role in overseeing government policies and programmes.
According to the statement signed by the Musa Abdullahi Krishi – Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, House of Representatives,
Abbas described the reform agenda of the APC-led administration under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a long-term process that requires sustained commitment.
According to the Speaker, “the reforms are not a sprint but a journey,” adding that the work already begun must be carried beyond 2027 to ensure meaningful impact.
Abbas argued that while the party focuses on continuity in the executive, equal attention must be given to stabilising the legislature by encouraging the return of experienced and high-performing lawmakers.
He warned that frequent turnover in the National Assembly has led to the loss of institutional memory, weakened legislative capacity, and increased public spending on repeated training of new members.
“We cannot continue to start every cycle afresh and expect consistent progress,” he said, noting that the legislature remains a key partner in driving reforms, enacting laws, and safeguarding national interests.
The Speaker emphasised that continuity is essential for national development, describing it as “the discipline of progress” necessary to sustain momentum and avoid policy disruptions.
He further urged party leaders, including governors and stakeholders, to support deliberate efforts aimed at retaining competent legislators, stressing that unity and coordination between the executive and legislative arms are vital to achieving long-term goals.
Highlighting the political strength of the North-West geopolitical zone, Abbas said the region remains a stronghold of the APC, reflecting cohesion and organisational capacity. However, he cautioned that such strength must be preserved through sustained effort and responsible leadership.
He assured that the zone would mobilise effectively to deliver electoral support, calling for unity across all regions where the party maintains influence.
Addressing members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC), the Speaker charged them to manage the APC’s growth with discipline and strategic engagement, warning against internal divisions.
He noted that as the party continues to expand, it faces increased scrutiny and expectations, making it imperative for leaders to foster unity, integrate new and old members, and manage competing interests effectively.
“The road ahead will demand discipline and sacrifice, but it will reward consistency, courage, and commitment,” Abbas said, urging party faithful to remain focused on building a lasting legacy.
The Speaker concluded by calling on party members to remain united and committed to delivering results, stressing that history would remember those who stayed the course and strengthened the nation’s democratic institutions.
