Tension is rising within Nigeria’s National Assembly as lawmakers across party lines are reportedly plotting a showdown with President Bola Tinubu over what they describe as the executive’s disregard for the legislature and the non-release of funds for capital projects under the 2025 budget.

Multiple lawmakers who spoke to SaharaReporters expressed anger at what they called the Tinubu administration’s “disdainful treatment” of parliament, warning that the growing resentment could soon boil over into an open revolt.

The crisis deepened days after Yusuf Gagdi, a member of the House of Representatives from Plateau State (Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency), publicly lamented that no funds had been released for capital projects since the passage of the 2025 Appropriation Act, even as the fiscal year nears its end.

“Not a single kobo has been released for capital projects this year,” Gagdi told his constituents at a town hall meeting, adding that the much-publicized ₦1 billion constituency intervention promised to lawmakers had been slashed by half due to alleged “funding challenges.”

He clarified that lawmakers do not receive direct cash allocations but are permitted to nominate projects worth ₦1 billion (now reduced to ₦500 million) within their constituencies — projects to be executed through government agencies.

Anger Boils Over In Both Chambers

Several lawmakers confirmed to SaharaReporters that frustration has reached a breaking point in both chambers of the National Assembly, with fingers pointed at the leadership — Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas — for allegedly “selling out” to the executive branch.

“The leadership of both chambers has cheapened the legislature,” one source said. “They’ve become mere enforcers of the President’s directives, not defenders of the institution.”

In the House of Representatives, anger is reportedly more intense, with some members already discussing impeachment proceedings against Speaker Abbas if he fails to confront President Tinubu over the issue.

A source revealed that lawmakers have agreed to issue an ultimatum to the Speaker to demand action from the executive, failing which “a motion for his removal will be tabled on the floor.”

“The members are saying enough is enough,” the source added. “They are tired of being treated as errand boys.”

Integrity Group Revived In Senate

Meanwhile, in the Senate, disenchanted lawmakers have resurrected the “Integrity Group”, a bloc of senators known for challenging perceived executive overreach. The group is said to be mobilising to remove Akpabio for allegedly compromising the Senate’s independence.

“There is not much that can be done to save Akpabio,” a senator said. “Members of the Integrity Group believe he has sold the Senate to the executive. Many now agree that his appointment was a mistake that must be corrected.”

‘Tinubu Is Treating Lawmakers Like Schoolboys’

One House member from Kano State accused President Tinubu of running the country like a personal fiefdom, ignoring the legislature except when seeking quick approval for his requests.

“Mr. President has refused to implement the 2024 and 2025 budgets, and Nigerians are suffering,” he said. “He only implements what benefits him politically. Nigerians must be alive before they vote, but the president doesn’t seem concerned about that.”

Another lawmaker lamented that the President’s attitude has reduced the National Assembly to a ceremonial body, lacking real influence or independence.

“Tinubu treats us like secondary school parliaments,” he fumed. “He gives orders, and both Akpabio and Abbas enforce them. Everything he has asked for — from tax reforms to supplementary budgets and loans — we have approved without resistance. Yet, he ignores us when it comes to funding.”

Attempted Revolt Calmed — For Now

Sources said that a revolt nearly broke out during a recent House session before Appropriation Committee Chairman Abubakar Bichi intervened to pacify angry members.

“Bichi’s intervention was the only thing that prevented chaos,” one lawmaker confirmed. “But the grievances remain. The House cannot move forward unless we put sentiment aside and confront the reality that the executive has sidelined us.”

What Lies Ahead

With mounting discontent and visible cracks in the ruling party’s legislative ranks, analysts warn that Tinubu’s relationship with the National Assembly could soon reach a tipping point.

If the President fails to release the long-delayed funds or address lawmakers’ grievances, insiders say a coordinated push to unseat Akpabio and Abbas could unfold before the year’s end — a development that would plunge the ruling APC into fresh political turmoil.