Prof. Pat Utomi Forms Shadow Government, FG Fumes

 Professor Pat Utomi, a renowned political economist and former presidential candidate, has announced the formation of a "shadow government" under the Big Tent Coalition. This initiative aims to provide alternative policy solutions and hold the administration of President Bola Tinubu accountable for its governance.

During a virtual launch on May 5, 2025, Utomi described the shadow government as a response to Nigeria's ongoing governance challenges. Comprising technocrats and opposition figures, the coalition plans to engage the public with policy alternatives and ideas for reform. Utomi emphasized the urgency of the initiative, referring to it as a response to a national emergency. He stated that the shadow cabinet will hold weekly meetings to evaluate government policies and recommend viable alternatives, focusing on areas such as security decentralization, constitutional reforms, economic strategy, education, healthcare, and infrastructure .

However, the Federal Government swiftly dismissed the move, calling it unconstitutional. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stated that Nigeria operates a presidential system, not a parliamentary one, and there is no provision for a shadow government in the country's legal framework. He added that while opposition politics is a central feature of democracy, it must be practiced within the bounds of propriety.

Utomi defended the coalition, attributing rising poverty, insecurity, and the flight of multinational firms to the current government's missteps. He warned that opposition silence could aid in subverting democracy and emphasized the coalition's role in offering constructive alternatives to the nation's pressing issues.

This development is part of Utomi's broader efforts to challenge the existing political order. He has previously expressed disillusionment with Nigeria's political parties, stating that they have failed to contribute meaningfully to nation-building. In 2024, he reaffirmed his commitment to forming a mega political party ahead of the 2027 general elections, aiming to disrupt the current political landscape and provide transformative leadership rooted in values such as integrity and service.

Utomi's actions reflect a growing sentiment among some Nigerians for alternative political structures and solutions to the country's challenges. The formation of the shadow government signifies an attempt to institutionalize opposition and provide a platform for policy discourse outside the traditional political framework.