Utomi Fires Back: ‘Shadow Cabinets Exist Worldwide, Nigeria Shouldn’t Be Left Behind!’”

Renowned political economist and activist, Pat Utomi, has refuted allegations that his formation of a shadow government poses any threat to President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Utomi, who was recently taken to court by the Department of State Services (DSS) over the establishment of a shadow government, addressed the matter during the 4th edition of the Topaz Lecture Series, themed “Shadow Government: A Distraction or Necessity.”

He emphasized that shadow governments are legitimate tools for promoting democratic accountability, encouraging policy innovation, and deepening civic engagement—not mechanisms for regime change.

Utomi clarified that his initiative is not illegal and is not intended to destabilize the Tinubu administration. Rather, it serves as a civic-driven platform to promote issue-based governance, offer alternative policy options, and enhance Nigeria’s democratic process through open and critical dialogue.

“This is not an act of rebellion or a threat to the state,” he said. “It is about encouraging transparency and constructive engagement. Shadow cabinets are internationally recognized in democracies, and Nigeria must begin to adopt such mechanisms to improve governance.”

He also revealed that he first presented the shadow cabinet concept to late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua in 2008 and has sustained it—largely self-funded—since then.

Responding to concerns about the term “shadow cabinet,” Utomi said that if the DSS lawsuit succeeds, the group is willing to adopt a different name. “Our commitment is to principles, not terminology,” he explained. “What matters is creating a space for robust policy debate and holding the government accountable.”

Utomi, currently abroad, further warned against the rise of anti-intellectualism and complacency among Nigeria’s elite, warning that failure to reform the political system could lead to deeper social unrest.