In an interview with Channels Television on Tuesday, Dogara stated that a democracy devoid of checks and balances would perish prematurely. The former lawmaker stated that the legislature does not need to oppose the executive in order to make its point, adding that the era of lawmakers opposing the Presidency has passed.

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“Any democracy that cuts itself off from checks and balances severs its lifeline and then bleeds to death.

“Why should someone who has been elected into an executive position seek to control the emergence of the leadership of the parliament that is supposed to be independent?

“Without sounding a bit pessimistic, I believe that the days of standing up to tyranny in the legislature have long faded. These days, no road to Damascus moment here. I think redemption or salvation is very far.

“In most cases, as legislators, some of us who have stayed there for long know those who have the onions and trust and capacity to exercise leadership on our behalf.

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“When it comes to determining this, whether from the point of view of the executive or political parties, in most cases, what they [executive] do is just sit down there without proper consultation with the membership and say this person must be the presiding officer, based on their own completely extrinsic consideration, without regard to the feeling of members.”

The All Progressives Congress (APC) nominated Senators Godswill Akpabio and Jibrin Barau for Senate President and Deputy Senate President, respectively.

In addition, the governing party and President Bola Tinubu nominated Tajudeen Abbas for the position of Speaker, while Benjamin Kalu was chosen for the position of Deputy Speaker.

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However, despite opposition from other interested legislators to the APC's nominations, Akpabio and Abbas were ultimately elected Senate president and Speaker, respectively.