Utomi Critiques Tinubu's Quick Approval of Electoral Act

Prof. Pat Utomi, a political economist, criticized President Bola Tinubu's rapid assent to the Electoral Act 2026 amendment bill, which he signed less than 24 hours after it was transmitted to him.

Utomi's remarks, made on Thursday, highlighted fears among opposition figures and civil society groups regarding the amendment's impact on the upcoming 2027 general elections. Specifically, concerns were raised about provisions related to the transmission of election results, with critics arguing that the amendment does not ensure real-time electronic transmission.

In response, the Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) dismissed the backlash as politically motivated, with spokesperson Mogaji Sey Oladejo describing the outcry as an orchestrated effort by opposition parties. The APC maintained that the government must exercise prudence rather than succumb to social media pressures, asserting that the amendment aligns with the broader national interest.

The Electoral Act 2026 amendment is expected to guide preparations for the 2027 elections, with political stakeholders already positioning themselves.