Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has attributed the political harassment he faced during the Buhari administration to his firm stance against excessive borrowing and his advocacy for legislative independence.

Speaking at the 2025 Reunion Gala of King's College Old Boys in Houston, Saraki reflected on his turbulent tenure (2015–2019) as Senate President, Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) reports. He claimed that his refusal to rubber-stamp President Muhammadu Buhari’s borrowing requests, along with his efforts to uphold the independence of the National Assembly, made him a target of political persecution.

“The harassment I faced was not just about politics—it was about principles,” Saraki said. “I opposed the unchecked borrowing and insisted on legislative autonomy. That made me a threat.”

Saraki lamented the silence of both the masses and the elite during his ordeal, describing the lack of public outcry as a factor that further emboldened executive dominance in Nigeria’s political system.

“We were like orphans. The people stayed quiet and aloof,” he said. “That silence weakened the institution and made future Senate leaders more compliant.”

He noted that today’s National Assembly has become what he described as a “rubber stamp,” avoiding confrontation with the executive to escape similar persecution.

Recalling the circumstances of his emergence as Senate President, Saraki highlighted the political rift it created within the All Progressives Congress (APC). His election defied the party’s endorsement of Senator Ahmad Lawan, and was made possible by the support of opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senators. This move intensified friction between Saraki and the APC leadership, ultimately culminating in his defection to the PDP in 2018.

His defection triggered a failed impeachment attempt and deepened hostilities with the executive. Throughout his term, executive nominees faced delayed confirmations, and several bills passed by the Senate were rejected by the presidency.

“We were harassed, blackmailed, and silenced,” Saraki said. “All for trying to hold the executive accountable.”

He argued that the erosion of legislative independence in subsequent assemblies is a direct consequence of the public’s indifference during that period. According to Saraki, this dynamic has led to weak institutions and a dangerous over-reliance on strong individuals.

“Strong institutions, not strongmen, are what Nigeria needs,” he emphasized. “When the people are disengaged, democracy suffers.”

He expressed concern over the current perception of the National Assembly, saying many now look back on his leadership with nostalgia. “I just shrug when I read those posts,” he said. “I could’ve made deals, but I chose independence.”

Saraki criticized what he described as a culture of passive followership in Nigeria, which he believes continues to enable poor governance. He called on Nigerians to demand accountability and actively support independent, principled leadership in all arms of government.

“Building a better Nigeria starts with strengthening our institutions,” he concluded. “We need a more conscious and involved citizenry if we want real democratic progress.”