In a bold move that’s sparking nationwide debate, a group of Nigerian lawyers has taken the country’s senators to task, filing a suit to demand they refund a hefty portion of their salaries for alleged non-performance.
The Association of Legislative Drafting and Advocacy Practitioners (ALDRAP) has brought the case before the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal, accusing the 109 senators of Nigeria’s 10th National Assembly of failing to deliver on their constitutional duties. This unprecedented legal action could shake up Nigeria’s political landscape and set a new standard for accountability.
At the heart of the lawsuit is a claim that Nigeria’s senators have only achieved 12% of their expected legislative output since 2023. ALDRAP is demanding a 78% refund of salaries and allowances paid to lawmakers from May 2023 to May 2025, arguing that Nigerians, as the “consumers” of legislative services, have been shortchanged.
The group’s pre-action notice, served to Senate President Godswill Akpabio on May 26, 2025, pulls no punches. Backed by an affidavit filed the next day, ALDRAP accuses senators of neglecting their core responsibilities of lawmaking, oversight, and constituent representation.
The suit also zeroes in on 40 senators who allegedly hold paid positions in the ECOWAS Parliament and Pan-African Parliament, a practice ALDRAP says violates Section 68(1)(a) of the Nigerian Constitution, which bars legislators from holding other paid offices.
The lawyers are calling for a full refund of salaries and allowances, estimated at ₦15,000,000 per sitting for at least 10 sittings annually, for these dual roles, labeling it a breach of public trust.
What makes this case stand out is its framing. ALDRAP is leveraging consumer protection laws, specifically sections 69 and 104 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (2018), alongside constitutional provisions and the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (2015). Their argument is that Nigerians deserve value for the public funds paid to senators. If lawmakers aren’t delivering, they should return the money, just as a business would refund a customer for faulty goods or services.
Led by Administrative Secretary Jesse Amuga, ALDRAP’s affidavit paints a damning picture: senators are accused of prioritizing personal gain over public service, with some allegedly distracted by their additional roles in regional bodies. The group has given the Senate a seven-day ultimatum to comply voluntarily, threatening full legal action if the deadline passes without action.
The lawsuit has ignited a firestorm of reactions, particularly on X, where Nigerians are weighing in. Posts like one from
@ParallelFacts
applaud the suit as a long-overdue push for accountability, while @_ScoopNation
emphasized the staggering 78% refund demand. Yet, not everyone is convinced. Some users question whether the tribunal has the authority to enforce such a ruling or if political heavyweights will squash the effort. The debate reflects a broader frustration with Nigeria’s governance, where public officials often face little scrutiny for underperformance.
This case isn’t just about money—it’s about redefining accountability in Nigeria’s democracy. If ALDRAP succeeds, it could set a historic precedent, forcing elected officials to prove they’re earning their keep.
The focus on the 40 senators with dual roles also highlights a deeper issue: conflicts of interest that may dilute lawmakers’ commitment to their primary duties. As the affidavit warns, without court intervention, this abuse of authority will persist.
With the seven-day ultimatum ticking down, all eyes are on the Senate and the tribunal. Will the senators comply, or will this escalate into a full-blown legal battle? The outcome could reshape how Nigerians view their lawmakers and whether they can demand more from those entrusted with public funds.
What do you think? Is this lawsuit a game-changer for Nigeria’s democracy, or a long shot unlikely to succeed? Drop your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s keep the conversation going.
Sources:
Daily Post Nigeria,
Daily Post Nigeria,
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