Pat Utomi’s Shadow Government: Here Is What We Know

Nigerian economist Pat Utomi’s shadow government has prompted the Federal Government, through the Department of State Services (DSS), to file a suit against him at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

In the case, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/937/2025, the DSS names Utomi, the 2007 presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), as the sole defendant. The agency accuses him of attempting to unlawfully usurp the executive authority vested in President Bola Tinubu. The DSS stated: “Based on the intelligence gathered by the plaintiff, the activities and statements made by the defendant and his associates are capable of misleading segments of the Nigerian public, weakening confidence in the legitimacy of the elected government, and fuelling public disaffection.” It further argued that if left unchecked, the shadow government could destabilise the nation, fuel political unrest, and pose a threat to national security by fostering disorder.

What’s A Shadow Government?

In a parliamentary system of government, the concept of a shadow cabinet offers a clear example of constructive opposition. Originating from the Westminster model, the shadow cabinet consists of senior opposition figures who, under the leadership of the opposition leader, form an alternative cabinet. Each member “shadows” a specific government minister, scrutinising their actions and proposing alternative policies. This structure allows for continuous engagement with governance, ensuring that the opposition is not just reactive but prepared to govern.

Historically, Nigeria once embraced this model, particularly during the First Republic. At that time, the shadow cabinet was not only a political formality but also embodied powerful social and political figures such as Obafemi Awolowo and Anthony Enahoro. Enahoro, in particular, was known for his eloquence and sharp critique, which consistently challenged the policies of Prime Minister Tafawa Balewa’s government. This era marked a period of vibrant political dialogue between government and opposition, a crucial element of any healthy democracy.

However, this progress was abruptly halted with the first military coup. While the coup was initially welcomed by many Nigerians, it effectively disrupted the country’s political evolution, especially the development of a structured and credible opposition. The collapse of the shadow cabinet tradition marked a loss in the democratic checks and balances necessary for accountable governance. Since then, Nigeria has struggled to fully reclaim that vital interplay between governing power and structured opposition.

Big Tent Coalition Shadow Government

Pat Utomi’s “Big Tent Coalition Shadow Government” serves as a credible opposition, consistently spotlighting the shortcomings of the Bola Tinubu administration while presenting alternative policies for improved governance. The coalition aims to critique the current administration’s shortcomings and propose alternative governance ideas. The 39-member team includes Dele Farotimi, leading the Ombudsman and Good Governance portfolio, a Policy Delivery Unit made up of Oghene Momoh, Cheta Nwanze, Daniel Ikuonobe, Halima Ahmed, David Okonkwo, and Obi Ajuga, along with a Council of Economic Advisers.

What’s Next?

DSS’s argument that forming a group to monitor policies, propose alternatives, and engage citizens amounts to an attempt to usurp executive power, and that it threatens national security and could encourage separatism dangerously criminalises dissent and stifles democratic innovation.

While the Constitution vests executive authority in the President, it also protects freedoms of speech, association, and political participation. It does not outlaw civic organising, criticism, or opposition platforms. Democracies thrive on contested ideas, not their suppression.

The DSS argues that Utomi’s initiative undermines public trust. But trust was eroded long before by economic hardship, insecurity, and broken promises. The problem isn’t the mirror but the reflection.

This lawsuit sends a chilling message: that political alternatives outside the ruling party are threats. If unchallenged, it could make civic engagement and reform efforts targets of state repression.

Utomi’s platform should spark national dialogue, not court action. Whether it succeeds or not, it represents democratic renewal. The courts must defend not just the Constitution’s text, but its spirit. Without space for dissent, democracy becomes a hollow performance.