Political economist and elder statesman, Professor Pat Utomi, has unveiled a list of individuals who make up Nigeria’s first formal “Shadow Government,” a move he says is aimed at offering credible alternatives to the policies of the Bola Tinubu-led administration.
Speaking from the United States, Utomi clarified that the shadow cabinet is not a rebellion or a challenge to state authority, but rather a constitutionally grounded effort to deepen Nigeria’s democracy through constructive opposition.
“This shadow government is not a claim to executive power, nor is it an attempt to create a parallel government,” Utomi explained. “It is a platform for responsible democratic engagement—a way for citizens and experts to assess and offer alternatives to government policy.” He disclosed that he will be returning to Nigeria on June 12th.
At the heart of this initiative is the Big Tent Coalition, a convergence of opposition voices including members of the Labour Party, Social Democratic Party (SDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), civil society groups, professionals, and academics. The coalition, Utomi said, was born out of growing concerns over poor governance, rising poverty, and the erosion of democratic accountability in Nigeria.
Leading the Ombudsman and Good Governance desk is well-known human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi. He is joined by a broad array of technocrats and reform advocates, including Oghene Momoh, Cheta Nwanze, Halima Ahmed, Daniel Ikuonobe, Obi Ajuga, and David Okonkwo.
Also on the team are subject-matter experts such as Dr. Adefolusade Adebayo, Dr. Peter Agadah, Dr. Sadiq Gombe, Chibuzor Nwachukwu, Salvation Alibor, Bilkisu Magoro, and Dr. Victor Tubo, among others. The cabinet spans portfolios from education to healthcare, economy, youth development, and national security.
Utomi said the shadow government will meet regularly to scrutinize government policies, propose more viable alternatives, and engage the public on key national issues. The goal, he added, is to shift public discourse from “blind loyalty” to evidence-based decision-making.
“We must address the massive poverty sweeping through our country. Companies are shutting down, unemployment is rising, and the public trust in government is eroding. Nigerians deserve more than slogans—they deserve results,” he said.
Among the group’s bold policy proposals is a call for decentralized policing. Utomi advocates a layered security system with community police, state forces, and a federal national guard, to better address Nigeria’s complex security challenges.
But the initiative has not gone without criticism. The Federal Government, through the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, dismissed the concept as incompatible with Nigeria’s presidential system.
“Nigeria is not a parliamentary democracy. Shadow governments are not recognized in our constitutional framework,” Idris said.
Still, Utomi remains undeterred. He insists that offering structured, informed opposition is a democratic necessity—not a threat.
“If the opposition fails to call out government shortcomings and offer clear alternatives, then it becomes complicit in the decay of governance. Democracy thrives on choice—and choice requires credible options,” he said.
