Nigeria’s National Assembly has seen hundreds of politicians come and go since the return to democratic rule in 1999. However, a handful of these people have managed to stay put for decades, winning elections again and again, building influence, and becoming familiar faces in the country’s legislative corridors as lawmakers.
Meanwhile, some have continued to serve since the birth of the Fourth Republic, while others have remained in parliament through multiple election cycles since the early 2000s. Their longevity often sparks debate, especially among people who examine their impacts to understand why people continue to choose them over others..
However, these political veterans have earned their place among the most experienced lawmakers in Nigerian national assembly history.
In this article, The Lagos Times discusses the longest-serving federal lawmakers and how long they have stayed in Nigeria’s parliament.
Ahmad Lawan
Few politicians in Nigeria’s legislature can match the staying power of Ahmad Lawan. First elected in 1999, he began his career in the House of Representatives before moving to the Senate in 2007 to represent Yobe North.
Over the years, Lawan rose through the ranks, eventually becoming Senate President from 2019 to 2023. His long legislative career spans more than two decades, and it makes him one of the most recognisable lawmakers in the National Assembly.
Nicholas Mutu
If there is anyone who knows the House of Representatives inside out, it is Nicholas Mutu. The Delta State lawmaker has represented the Bomadi/Patani Federal Constituency since 1999, making him one of the longest-serving members of the lower chamber.
For over two decades, Mutu has remained a constant presence in the House, earning the nickname “landlord” among colleagues because of his long tenure.
Ali Ndume
Ali Ndume is a Veteran politician and has been part of the National Assembly since 2003. He first served in the House of Representatives before moving to the Senate, where he now represents the Borno South Senatorial District.
Up to date in his legislative career, Ndume has held several leadership positions, including Senate Leader and committee chairmanships, cementing his influence in legislative affairs.
Alhassan Doguwa
Another familiar name in Nigeria’s legislature is Alhassan Doguwa, who represents Doguwa/Tudun Wada Federal Constituency in Kano State.
Although he was involved in politics during the defunct Third Republic, Doguwa returned to the National Assembly in 2007, and he has remained in the House of Representatives since then.
Known for his outspoken style on the House floor, Doguwa has also served in leadership roles within the chamber.
Mohammed Monguno
Mohammed Monguno has a long legislative history that stretches back decades. He first served during the Third Republic (1992–1993) before returning in the Fourth Republic to represent Marte/Monguno/Nganzai federal constituency, Borno State, in the House of Representatives for four consecutive terms from 2007 to 2023.
Monguno moved up to the Senate in 2023 and continues in the Red Chamber till date. His extensive experience has made him one of the most seasoned lawmakers in Nigeria’s parliament.
Khadijat Bukar Abba-Ibrahim
One of the most prominent female lawmakers in Nigeria’s legislature is Khadijat Bukar Abba-Ibrahim. She has represented Damaturu/Gujba/Gulani/Tarmuwa Federal Constituency in Yobe State since 2007.
Beyond her legislative duties, she briefly served as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in 2016 before returning to the House of Representatives in 2019 to continue representing her constituents to date.
Enyinnaya Abaribe
Enyinnaya Abaribe, the senator representing Abia South Senatorial District, has been in the National Assembly since 2007.
Known for his strong voice during Senate debates, Abaribe has built a reputation as one of the most outspoken lawmakers in the chamber.
Idris Wase
Plateau State’s Idris Wase joined the National Assembly in 2007, representing the Wase Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.
Over the years, he climbed the leadership ladder and eventually became Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives in the 9th Assembly.
Muktar Betara
Muktar Betara is another lawmaker who has remained in parliament since 2007. He represents Biu/Bayo/Shani Federal Constituency of Borno State in the House of Representatives.
Betara is recognised for his role in legislative oversight and budget-related committees in the House.
Wole Oke
Rounding out the list is Wole Oke, who represents Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency in Osun State.
He first entered the House of Representatives in 2003, making him one of the longest-serving lawmakers currently in Nigeria’s federal legislature. Wole Oke was only out of the legislative business between 2011 and 2015.
Over the years, Oke has been involved in several committees and legislative initiatives within the House.
Other notable long-serving lawmakers
Beyond the top ten, a few other experienced politicians have also spent significant time as lawmakers in the Nigerian National Assembly, such as:
Adamu Aliero – Became a senator in 2007 after serving as governor of Kebbi State and continues in the chamber to date.
Adeola Olamilekan (Yayi) – First elected to the House of Representatives in 2011 before moving to the Senate in 2015, represented Lagos West for two terms and subsequently returned to the Senate in 2023, representing Ogun West to date.
Aminu Waziri Tambuwal – Served in the House from 2003 to 2015 before becoming governor and later returning to the Senate in 2023.
