FG signs Electoral Act 2026, sparking criticism and APC defense

FG signed Electoral Act 2026 into law on Wednesday, with Prof Pat Utomi calling it "freedom murdered" and urging Nigerians to "return to the struggle." The Act was approved by President Tinubu within 24 hours of presentation, raising concerns about rushed implementation. DAILY POST reports Utomi's X post: "I put my life on line for freedom... today it became clear that freedom has been murdered." He accuses "a cabal foisting advance election rigging." Meanwhile, Lagos APC rejected backlash as "politically motivated," maintaining governance requires prudence, not popularity contests. The party disputes claims the Act lacks real-time result transmission, calling criticism "romanticised and misleading." Opposition groups warn the law threatens election integrity.

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/02/20/electoral-act-freedom-i-put-my-life-on-line-for-is-dead-pat-utomi/