Professor Pat Utomi criticised President Bola Tinubu’s signing of the Electoral Act 2026 (Amendment) into law, saying the development signalled a confrontation between political elites and the Nigerian people.

Utomi expressed his views on the legislation in a series of posts on the social media platform X on Wednesday.

President Tinubu signed the Electoral Act 2026 (Amendment) on Wednesday at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja, less than 24 hours after both chambers of the National Assembly passed the bill.

The amended law introduces changes to Nigeria’s electoral legal framework ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Electoral Act’s passage and assent have attracted varied public reactions, including praise from some political figures and criticism from opposition parties and civil society organisations.

Utomi labelled the signing a “direct confrontation” between the political class and Nigerians. He said the decision marked what he described as a turning point for democracy in Nigeria and said the future of young Nigerians was at stake.

In his posts, Utomi addressed political leaders in both the executive and legislative arms of government. He referenced historical struggles against colonial rule and military rule in Nigeria as context for his comments.

Utomi wrote on X: “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 also said, “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. They have technology and numbers on their side to fight this coup.”

In another post, Utomi stated, “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’s statements add to national discourse on the amended Electoral Act 2026 as Nigerians prepare for the 2027 general elections.

The Act’s provisions have prompted reactions from political parties, civil society groups, and commentators, reflecting differing views on electoral reforms.

The legislation sets the framework for how elections will be conducted, including provisions related to the electronic transmission of results and other procedural requirements to guide the Independent National Electoral Commission’s operations.