Why I Want To Return To The Senate — Shehu Sani

Former lawmaker and All Progressives Congress (APC) aspirant for the Kaduna Central Senatorial seat, Senator Shehu Sani, has defended his decision to seek a return to the National Assembly, saying Nigeria’s stability and prosperity depended largely on the quality and independence of its lawmakers.

Speaking during the ‘Sunday Politics’ programme on Channels TV, Sani said there was nothing unusual about his ambition to return to the Senate, noting that the Constitution places no tenure limit on lawmakers.

According to him, his decision was influenced by calls from constituents who believed he still has more to offer in terms of representation and legislative service.

“There is no tenure in going to the National Assembly, whether it’s the Senate or the House of Representatives,” he said. “When your people feel that you still have a lot to deliver and you have a duty and responsibility to ensure they are well represented there, you should be able to answer that.”

The one-time Senator lamented what he described as the lack of public attention on legislative elections, arguing that Nigerians often focus more on presidential contests while paying little attention to those elected into parliament.

Sani warned that such an attitude weakens democratic institutions and contributes to governance challenges in the country.

“The very fact that Nigerians are more concerned about who becomes the president of the country, they don’t usually take seriously who becomes their lawmakers, whether at the state level or at the federal level,” he stated.

He maintained that an effective and independent legislature remains critical to national development, insisting that a vibrant parliament could serve as a check on executive excesses and improve governance outcomes.

“If you have a vibrant Senate, a potent Senate, one that respects its integrity, is independent and preserves the sanctity of its identity, you will have good governance in the country,” Sani added.

The APC aspirant further stressed that the quality of the National Assembly is directly tied to the country’s democratic stability and economic progress.

“A quality National Assembly, a qualitative parliament, is as important as the stability of the country and also the prosperity of the nation,” he added.