Pat Utomi Issues Stern Warning Over Electoral Act Amendments
Renowned political economist and African Democratic Congress chieftain, Pat Utomi, has launched a scathing critique against members of the National Assembly, asserting that their recent role in amending the Electoral Act poses a severe threat to Nigeria's democratic foundations. Utomi's remarks come amid growing opposition from multiple political parties demanding an immediate review of the amended bill, which was passed last month and subsequently signed into law by President Bola Tinubu.
Lawmakers Accused of Prioritizing Self-Interest
During an appearance on The Morning Brief on Channels Television this Monday, Utomi accused federal lawmakers of placing their personal political survival above the national interest. He described the current National Assembly as a "sham", emphasizing that their focus on retaining power risks undermining the legitimacy of the entire democratic system. "Because they are playing more to their interest of staying in power, they forget that they can lose legitimacy — the whole system can lose legitimacy — and that what they are doing is inviting anarchy," Utomi stated bluntly.
He further cautioned that such self-serving actions could erode public trust in democratic institutions, potentially destabilizing the country. Utomi urged lawmakers to act swiftly to preserve the system, warning that their failure could have dire consequences for all Nigerians. "They had better save themselves and the system now," he added. "Their paying dearly could mean all of us ultimately pay dearly, because we could lose our democracy — our capacity for law, order, good governance, and progress."
Concerns Over Political Maneuvering
Utomi also expressed deep concern over what he termed political maneuvering between the Senate and the presidency, suggesting that such developments could steer Nigeria in a dangerous direction. "I don’t think people who are playing these games between the Senate and the presidency quite understand where this could lead Nigeria," he remarked, advocating for the law to be returned to the National Assembly for thorough reconsideration.
He stressed that elected representatives have a fiduciary duty to reflect the will of the people, rather than pursuing narrow interests. Drawing a comparison with the United States, Utomi highlighted that members of the House of Representatives there face elections every two years to ensure accountability to the electorate. He argued that Nigerian lawmakers must similarly remain closely aligned with public expectations to uphold democratic integrity.
The ongoing debate over the Electoral Act amendments underscores broader tensions within Nigeria's political landscape, as stakeholders grapple with issues of governance, transparency, and democratic sustainability. Utomi's warnings serve as a stark reminder of the potential risks associated with legislative actions perceived as undermining public trust and institutional legitimacy.
