Renowned political economist, Pat Utomi, has strongly criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over his signing of the Electoral Act 2026 into law, declaring that “freedom has been murdered.”
Utomi, in a reaction following the presidential assent, described the development as a major setback for Nigeria’s democracy. According to him, the new Electoral Act raises serious concerns about transparency, electoral integrity, and the independence of the electoral process.
He argued that electoral laws should deepen democratic values and strengthen public confidence in governance. Instead, he claimed the new legislation appears to concentrate more power in the hands of political actors, potentially weakening safeguards designed to protect the sanctity of the ballot.
Utomi warned that any reform perceived to undermine credibility in elections could erode citizens’ trust and discourage voter participation. He called on civil society groups, opposition parties, and democratic institutions to remain vigilant and continue advocating for reforms that promote accountability and fairness.
While supporters of the administration maintain that the Electoral Act 2026 is aimed at improving the electoral framework and addressing gaps identified in previous elections, Utomi insists that the true test of the law will be whether it protects the will of the people or diminishes democratic freedoms.
The Electoral Act 2026 is expected to shape the conduct of future elections under the supervision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
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