By John Alechenu

ABUJA — The Conference of United Political Parties (CUPP) has criticized the National Assembly for nominating Asiya Abdullahi Ganduje, daughter of APC National Chairman Alhaji Umar Ganduje, and Muhammad Wamako, son of Senator Aliyu Wamako, to the board of the North-West Development Commission (NWDC).

Chief Peter Ameh, National Secretary of the CUPP, expressed the group’s disapproval during a press briefing in Abuja, describing the nominations as an abuse of legislative powers.

Ameh said, “The recent actions of the National Assembly, where legislators are openly nominating individuals for executive positions in the North-West Development Commission, raise serious concerns about the role of the legislature in Nigeria’s democracy.”

He criticized the nominations, asserting that they undermine the principles of fairness and equal opportunity.

“By appointing children of influential individuals to executive positions, the Assembly is essentially shutting out qualified and deserving candidates from less privileged backgrounds. This perpetuates inequality and compromises the commission’s legitimacy and effectiveness,” Ameh stated.

He questioned the legality of the National Assembly’s involvement in such appointments, emphasizing that recommendations for executive roles should come from the supervising ministry or agency, not legislators.

Ameh further highlighted the importance of maintaining the separation of powers in a democratic system.

“In a democratic system, the separation of powers is essential to ensure that each branch of government remains accountable and effective. The National Assembly’s overreach into executive territory undermines this separation and threatens the foundations of Nigeria’s democracy,” he noted.

He urged the National Assembly to reconsider its actions and respect the constitutional boundaries of its powers.

“The people of Nigeria deserve a government that is transparent, accountable, and fair—not one that perpetuates inequality and undermines democratic principles,” Ameh concluded.