Presidential Power and Legislative Autonomy in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic: A Comparative Analysis of Three Administrations

This study analyses the dynamics of executive-legislative relations under three presidential administrations in Nigeria's Fourth Republic, examining the Obasanjo (1999 to 2007), Buhari (2015 to 2023), and Jonathan (2010 to 2015) presidencies to assess patterns of presidential dominance, legislative resistance, and institutional accommodation. The constitutional design of Nigeria's presidential system establishes co-equal branches with distinct powers and mutual accountability mechanisms, yet the practical dynamics of inter-branch relations have varied considerably across administrations. Using a comparative historical analysis design drawing on legislative records, executive orders, budget documents, and court cases involving inter-branch disputes, the study systematically codes executive-legislative interactions across key policy domains including appropriation, confirmation of appointments, and anti-corruption legislation. The separation of powers theory and the comparative presidentialism framework are applied to evaluate patterns of institutional behaviour. Findings reveal a consistent pattern in which presidents with strong legislative majorities or cohesive ruling party structures tend to dominate legislative outcomes, while administrations with divided party control or weaker political coalitions experience more genuine legislative pushback. The Ninth National Assembly under the Buhari administration demonstrates the paradox of nominal legislative independence coexisting with effective executive control through party loyalty mechanisms. The study makes an original analytical contribution by applying a systematic comparative coding methodology to Nigerian inter-branch relations over an extended period. Recommendations include legal reforms strengthening legislative committee oversight and whistleblower protections for legislators who challenge executive overreach. Keywords: presidential power, legislative autonomy, Fourth Republic, executive-legislative relations, comparative presidentialism