Political economist and public affairs commentator, Professor Pat Utomi, has strongly criticized the recent amendment to the Electoral Act passed by the National Assembly and signed into law by President Bola Tinubu, describing the move as a direct attack on democratic principles.
In a post shared on his X handle on Friday, Utomi condemned the action of the legislature and the executive, characterizing it as a “gangster style assault on the popular will.” He warned that the development should not be treated lightly, stressing that it poses significant risks to Nigeria’s democratic stability.
According to him, the amendment amounts to treason and reflects what he described as a lack of character and accountability among those responsible for its passage and assent.
Utomi further cautioned that the situation could trigger unrest in major cities, including Lagos and Abuja. Drawing a parallel with the crisis in Khartoum, Sudan, he warned that the country could face serious instability if urgent steps are not taken.
“This gangster style assault on the popular will by the Senate and Executive must not be brushed off. It is treason,” Utomi wrote.
“Beyond a show of lack of character and a sense of shame, it sets up conditions that may bring Lagos and Abuja to what Khartoum, Sudan is. So stop them we must,” he added.
The Electoral Act amendment, recently approved by the National Assembly and assented to by President Tinubu, has continued to attract mixed reactions from political stakeholders and civil society organisations across the country.
Comments