Utomi noted that excluding the real-time transmission of election results reflects a lack of character and brings shame upon those involved.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Renowned Nigerian professor of political economy and politician, Pat Utomi, has condemned the recent amendment to the Electoral Act passed by the Godswill Akpabio-led Senate and the swift signing of the bill into law by President Bola Tinubu, saying they are setting Nigeria up for a ‘Sudan-style crisis’.
He made this known on Friday in a post shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) page, where he described the move as a ‘gangster-style assault on the popular will’.
The National Assembly recently passed an amendment to the Electoral Act, which was immediately assented to by President Tinubu.
The amendment has continued to generate mixed reactions from political stakeholders and civil society groups, who argue that it fails to meet the yearnings of Nigerians for the real-time transmission of election results.
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Reacting to the decision, Utomi said the actions of the Senate and the Executive should not be ignored, as they could have grave consequences for the country’s democracy.
The professor also claimed the development amounts to treason and reflects a lack of character and shame on the part of those involved.
He further cautioned that the situation could create instability in Lagos and Abuja, drawing parallels with the crisis in Khartoum, Sudan.
Writing via his verified handle, Utomi stated: “This gangster-style assault on the popular will by the Senate and Executive must not be brushed off. It is treason.
“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.”
