Political economist Pat Utomi has strongly criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the signing of the Electoral Act 2026 (Amendment), describing it as a direct confrontation between Nigeria’s political elite and the people.
In a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, Utomi warned that the amendment marks a dangerous turning point for the nation’s democracy.
“The line is drawn. It is politicians in power versus the Nigerian people. Before us is life and death. Choose life that you may live,” he wrote.
Utomi accused leaders in both the executive and legislative arms of government of undermining the future of young Nigerians.
“Our fathers fought colonizers. We confronted the military. Today’s youth will lose the future unless they contain yesterday’s men and entrepreneurs of power who masquerade as leaders in NASS and Executive branch,” he stated.
He further alleged that the struggle for democracy had suffered a major reversal.
“Back in the 1990s I put my life on the line that Nigeria may be free. Today it became clear that freedom has been murdered.
I call on Concerned Professionals to return to the struggle for the liberation of the Nigerian people from a cabal foisting on us advance election rigging,” Utomi added.
President Tinubu signed the Electoral Act 2026 (Amendment) into law around 5 p.m. on Wednesday at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, in the presence of senior officials of the National Assembly of Nigeria.
The presidential assent came less than 24 hours after the bill was passed by both chambers of the National Assembly.
The amended law has since drawn criticism from opposition political parties and several civil society organisations, who argue that the changes could weaken electoral safeguards ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Critics contend that the amendment may legitimise electoral manipulation and erode democratic gains, while supporters within the ruling camp maintain that the law strengthens the electoral framework.
As debates intensify, the new legislation is set to shape the political landscape leading into the next general election cycle.
