Ola Akinwunmi
Former presidential spokesperson Laolu Akande has implored the Department of State Services (DSS) not to persecute Professor Pat Utomi for proposing a “shadow government,” arguing that the idea is merely an intellectual exercise rather than a threat to national security
Professor Pat Utomi first announced on May 5, 2025, the formation of a “Big Tent Coalition Shadow Government” aimed at offering concrete policy alternatives in areas such as the economy, education, healthcare, infrastructure, law and order, and constitutional reform.
The DSS subsequently filed a suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja, accusing Utomi of attempting to usurp the executive powers of President Bola Tinubu and warning that the initiative “may incite political unrest, cause intergroup tensions and embolden other unlawful actors” if left unchecked
In its suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/937/2025, the agency sought declarations that any parallel authority outside the 1999 Constitution is “unconstitutional, null, and void,” and asked for a perpetual injunction against the shadow government’s operation.
Speaking with the media on Friday, Akande dismissed fears around the proposal, calling it “an innocent political idea” rather than a national security risk.
“I would advise the DSS people not to bother themselves too much. There are more important things for the DSS to deal with. Please, let’s do that. Just leave Utomi alone, he’s just having fun,” he said, urging the secret police to focus on genuine security threats.
On its legality, Akande conceded he was no lawyer but stressed that it remained “an expression of an idea,” leaving any constitutional determination to legal experts.
Highlighting a “serious vacuum” in Nigeria’s political space, Akande criticized major opposition parties—the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP)—for their failure to engage the ruling APC in meaningful policy debates.
He credited Utomi with recognizing this void and attempting to “provide ideas, specific ideas and alternatives,” rather than plotting to overthrow the government.
Undeterred by the DSS suit, Utomi has garnered messages of solidarity across Nigeria and rallied legal support, with reports of up to 500 lawyers volunteering to defend him.
He maintains that his initiative is about strengthening democratic accountability, not usurpation of power.
While praising the concept’s good intentions, Akande admitted skepticism about its long-term viability, suggesting it may serve more as a wake-up call than a lasting institution.