In the middle of June this year, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, addressed his colleagues in the green chamber on their return from recess—a legislative break—cutting a solemn, sober figure.
Key takeaways:
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A high number of legislators losing their seats every four years is one of the main trends in Nigeria’s 4th Republic.
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This turnover is due to interference by governors, zoning, the contest for higher office, and defeat in the general election.
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This high turnover is bad for Nigeria’s democracy because it erodes the institutional memory of the National Assembly and affects its effectiveness.
The House had gone on recess so members could return to their constituencies and campaign in their respective parties' primaries. Many hoped to secure tickets for return to the chamber for another four-year term. But, while the Speaker successfully defended his seat and secured a ticket to contest the 2023 general
