High Legislative Turnover Raises Concerns About Nigeria’s Electoral System, Calls for Real-Time Result Transmission

A recent analysis by political commentator and observer Igini has highlighted the alarming turnover rates in Nigeria’s National Assembly, warning that the Tenth Assembly (2023–2027) risks repeating patterns of institutional instability seen in previous sessions.

Igini urged senators and members of the House of Representatives to restore direct, real-time electronic transmission of election results via the Independent National Electoral Commission’s IReV system. He argued that live uploads of results would deter post-poll manipulations at ward and local government collation centres, as publicly viewable data would make any tampering immediately detectable and actionable.

Citing legislative turnover statistics, Igini painted a stark picture of instability:

• Senate:

  • Sixth Senate (2007–2011): 23 of 109 members returned — 79% turnover

  • Seventh Senate (2011–2015): 36 returning, 73 new — 67% turnover

  • Eighth Senate (2015–2019): 39 returning, 70 new — 64% turnover

  • Ninth Senate (2019–2023): 45 returning, 64 new — 59% turnover

  • Tenth Senate (2023–2027): 25 returning, 84 new — 77% turnover

• House of Representatives:

  • Sixth House (2007–2011): 80 returning, 280 new — 78% turnover

  • Seventh House (2011–2015): 100 returning, 260 new — 72% turnover

  • Eighth House (2015–2019): 110 returning, 250 new — 69.4% turnover

  • Ninth House (2019–2023): 151 returning, 209 new — 57% turnover

  • Tenth House (2023–2027): 109 returning, 251 new — 70% turnover

According to Igini, such high turnover rates contribute to chronic instability, institutional amnesia, and weakened legislative oversight, while also dissipating public resources through repeated induction and retraining of new members.

He stressed that the “proviso” limiting or delaying real-time result transmission undermines transparency and electoral integrity, calling for its removal to ensure continuity, accountability, and effective law-making.

Observers note that Nigeria’s legislative attrition highlights the broader challenges in the country’s democratic process, emphasizing the need for reforms that strengthen institutional memory and secure public trust in elections.