Utomi Fires at APC: ‘Their Hatred for Civic Engagement Shows They’re Afraid of the Truth’

Renowned political economist, Professor Pat Utomi, has sharply criticized the All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing the ruling party of being deeply afraid of public accountability following its response to his unveiling of a shadow cabinet.

Utomi recently introduced the ‘Big Tent Coalition Shadow Government’ as a platform for alternative civic engagement. However, the initiative was dismissed by APC spokesperson Felix Morka, who referred to Utomi as an “intellectual drama king.”

Firing back via his handle, Utomi expressed both disappointment and irony.
“Years ago, Felix Morka used to ride in the back of my car as I rushed to meetings,” he wrote. “He encouraged me to pursue exactly what I’m doing now. Today, I’m suddenly a ‘drama king’? Well, many playwrights would envy that title—I might just embrace it. But I won’t dignify his comment with more than that.”

Utomi argued that the APC’s hostile reaction reveals an underlying fear of scrutiny.
“There must be so much they’re hiding if basic oversight scares them this much. How did our democracy fall this low?” he questioned.

He also criticized the level of alarm triggered by what he described as routine civic participation.
“I’ve never seen a democratic government react with such panic just because citizens are organizing to ask legitimate questions about how they’re being governed.”

In his view, a confident and forward-thinking administration would have seen the shadow cabinet as an opportunity for democratic growth.
“If those in Abuja were truly democratic, they’d welcome this move as part of an open, vibrant public discourse,” Utomi added. “Even the harshest critics of our democracy are stunned by this level of insecurity.”