Political economist Pat Utomi has criticised the signing of the Electoral Act 2026 (Amendment) by Bola Tinubu, describing it as a direct confrontation between Nigeria’s political class and the citizenry.
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In a series of posts on X on Wednesday, Utomi said the president’s assent to the amended law marked a dangerous turning point for the country’s democracy, warning that the development had effectively drawn a battle line between those in power and the Nigerian people.
“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 further accused leaders in both the executive and the legislature of undermining the future of young Nigerians, alleging a coordinated effort by political elites to retain control of the system.
“Our fathers fought colonisers. 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 the National Assembly and executive branch. They have technology and numbers on their side to fight this coup,” he said.
The political economist also lamented what he described as a reversal of Nigeria’s democratic struggle, recalling his involvement in pro-democracy movements in the 1990s. He called on professionals and civil society groups to mobilise in defence of electoral integrity, warning that the amendment could entrench manipulation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
President Tinubu signed the Electoral Act 2026 (Amendment) into law around 5pm on Wednesday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, in the presence of senior officials of the National Assembly. The assent came less than 24 hours after the bill was passed by both chambers of the legislature.
Since the signing, opposition parties and civil society organisations have continued to criticise the amendment, arguing that it weakens electoral safeguards and could undermine public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.
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