A former presidential spokesperson and political analyst, Mr. Laolu Akande, has dismissed concerns over Professor Pat Utomi’s proposal for a shadow government, describing it as an innocent political idea rather than a threat to national security.
Speaking on Friday during an interview on Channels Television’s *Sunrise Daily*, Akande responded to the Department of State Services (DSS) reportedly viewing Utomi’s plan as potentially unlawful.
“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,” Akande said.
Professor Utomi had earlier suggested forming a shadow government to offer alternative policy ideas and intellectually challenge the current administration.
However, the DSS warned that such a move could be considered illegal.
Akande contended that the proposed initiative aims to promote political participation and offer different ideological perspectives, rather than undermine the current government.
Regarding its legality, he stated he couldn’t definitively say but viewed it as an expression of an idea, leaving the legal assessment to lawyers.
Akande pointed out a significant lack of robust engagement in Nigeria’s political sphere. He criticized opposition parties, specifically the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP), for their ineffectiveness in challenging the ruling party’s policies.
He credited Professor Pat Utomi with recognizing this “serious vacuum,” particularly in terms of ideological debate with the current administration, asserting that the opposition parties had lost their ability to effectively contest ideas.
He clarified that Utomi’s plan is not about overthrowing the government but about filling a leadership gap with constructive contributions.
“He says it’s not to bring down any government, it’s just to provide ideas, specific ideas and alternatives. It seems to be somebody who understands that we have to contest ideas—even with a ruling party, which is not existing,” Akande stated.
While acknowledging the good intentions behind the shadow government idea, Akande expressed skepticism about its long-term viability.
“I don’t see it as a very viable thing that is going to happen. I think Utomi is just trying to say, ‘Look, this space is empty—we can’t leave this in a vacuum.’ That’s what I see,” he added.
