Abstract
This study examined institutional weakness and the problem of Nigerian democracy with a particular focus on the National Assembly. The research adopted a descriptive design and relied on qualitative methods using secondary data sourced from academic literature, government documents, reports of international organizations, and media publications. The study investigated how fragile institutions have shaped the country’s democratic trajectory, emphasizing the role of the legislature in ensuring stability and good governance. One key finding reveals that institutional weakness, especially within the legislature, judiciary, and electoral bodies, has significantly undermined Nigeria’s democratic stability. Corruption, executive interference, and weak accountability have fostered electoral malpractice, eroded public trust, and hindered democratic consolidation. Based on this, the study recommends strengthening the independence and effectiveness of core institutions such as the judiciary, INEC, and the National Assembly through constitutional reforms, adequate funding, and transparency measures. It concludes that unless Nigeria builds resilient institutions capable of resisting manipulation and enforcing accountability, the prospects of democratic stability will remain fragile. Strengthening the National Assembly as a credible guardian of governance is central to safeguarding democracy and promoting stability in the country.