Nigeria’s democracy must be measured by inclusiveness, says Speaker Abbas

By Christiana Ekpa

The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, Ph.D., GCON, has said Nigeria’s democracy must be measured by how much the critical stakeholders in the nation are involved in the processes.

Addressing a group of social media influencers, most of whom were youth, at the National Assembly on Monday, the Speaker highlighted the importance of the teeming youth population and their voice on the Internet to democracy.

Joining the Speaker were several members of the House as well as the Executive Secretary, National Assembly Library Trust Fund, Hon. Henry Nwawuba.

At the event were Kayode Okikiolu of Channels Television; a former Director-General, Bureau of Public Service Reforms, Dr Joe Abah, OON; Senior Special Assistant to the President on Digital Communications, O’tega Ogra; Special Assistant to the President on Social Media, Olusegun Dada; and Comedian, Lawrence Oluwaseyitan Aletile (Seyi Law); Abraham Great, among several others.

“Our democracy must be measured not merely by its procedures but by its inclusiveness,” Speaker Abbas noted at the ‘Speaker’s New Media Exchange 2025.’

He stated that the engagement, with the theme, ‘Smart Cities and Ethical Media: Navigating the Role of Policy in National Development,’ was for a critical reflection on the intersection of governance, innovation, and responsible communication.

Speaker Abbas said: “We are not unmindful of the challenges posed by misinformation, digital security threats, and the misuse of online platforms. Nonetheless, our approach shall remain rooted in dialogue, education, and constructive engagement rather than censorship or coercion.”

The Speaker described the interaction as “an unprecedented engagement designed to formalise a dialogue between the Nigerian Parliament and the dynamic community of digital actors.”

He said: “Today’s session marks a seminal moment. It is the first structured interaction at the highest legislative level with social media influencers, recognising their significant contributions to the democratic enterprise and shaping national discourse.