Rufai Oseni opposition: TV anchor slams Atiku, Amaechi, and Obi for delayed and ineffective response to Nigeria’s new Electoral Act

Rufai Oseni, anchor of Arise Television’s Morning Show, on 27 February 2026 sharply criticised opposition leaders over their reaction to the recently signed Electoral Act ahead of the 2027 elections.

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Speaking during the programme, Oseni described prominent figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Rotimi Amaechi, and Peter Obi, as a “coalition of jokers” for what he termed a delayed and ineffective response to the legislative process.

Oseni questioned why opposition lawmakers in the National Assembly did not take stronger action while the bill was under consideration, instead raising objections only after it had been signed into law by President Bola Tinubu.

While praising individual lawmakers who stood their ground during deliberations, he argued that the broader opposition failed to provide coordinated resistance.

Oseni labelled post-enactment protests as largely symbolic and criticised opposition figures for appearing unprepared and entitled.

“They believe power is their birthright. They just barely left government, and they are not used to being out of government for so long, so they put themselves together, and today they are saying opposition,” Oseni said.

The anchor acknowledged that opposition concerns regarding mandatory electronic transmission of results were valid but maintained that their overall response reflected “docility.”

He argued that the opposition’s inaction undermined public confidence in their ability to hold government accountable.

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Oseni concluded that a lack of proactive strategy from the opposition contributed to public perceptions of inefficiency, warning that timely engagement during legislative processes is essential for credible dissent.