Deputy Chairman, ADC Policy and Manifesto Committee, Prof. Pat Utomi said President Bola Tinubu’s decision to hurriedly sign the controversial Electoral Act 2026 is tantamount to murdering freedom.

Utomi made his stance known in a series of X posts on Wednesday.

The president signed the Electoral Act 2026 (Amendment) around 5 pm on Wednesday after passage by both chambers of the National Assembly.

The signing, which occurred less than 24 hours after passage of the bill, has continued to generate controversy.

Weighing in, Utomi said the president’s action has pitched the Nigerian people against politicians.

He said, “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.”

Utomi, a Professor of Political Economy, flayed political leaders in both the executive and legislative arms of government for allegedly mortgaging the future of Nigerian youths.

He said, “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 NASS and Executive branch. They have technology and numbers on their side to fight this coup.”

He said Nigerians must stand up to a demand better deal.

“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 said. (The SUN)