In the latest stunning development in Africa’s largest nation, Nigeria’s Senate President Bukola Saraki has been asked to relinquish his position after announcing he changed his party from the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Saraki has refused to do as the APC demands, basing his decision on the Nigeria’s Constitution. He defended his position Wednesday 08 August 2018 when he came out to address the issue at National Assembly (NASS).

Saraki has pointed out that the position was not given to him but rather he was elected. As a result, the Constitution does not require that he comes from a particular party. He further stated that the Constitution does not permit him to vacate his seat until his term of office is over.

On the other hand, the APC has repeatedly demanded that he give back the position since he chose to switch parties. Members of PDP have fought back against this argument. Asked whether he wants to stand for the presidential election, the Senate president said the question will be answered in the days ahead.

Tuesday On 07 August 2018, as Bukola Saraki took the decision to leave the APC, Operatives of the Department of Security Service (DSS) laid siege on the NASS in a historic intervention. Saraki condemned the siege.

In the absence of President Buhari, who is on vacation, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has fired the local intelligence chief, Lawal Daura in response to the incident. However, members of both houses of Nigeria’s Federal Parliament have condemned the assault on the NASS by the DSS and have demanded that those responsible should provide answers as to who ordered the siege. The threat to Nigerian democracy is, nonetheless, still clear.