Federal Government (FG) has criticised the launch of a shadow government by Pat Utomi, a professor of political economy.
Gatekeepers News reports that the Utomi launched the initiative virtually on Monday under the banner of Big Tent Coalition Shadow Government, to serve as a credible opposition to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
The shadow cabinet includes prominent figures such as human rights advocate Dele Farotimi, who heads the Ombudsman and Good Governance portfolio, alongside members like Oghene Momoh, Cheta Nwanze, Daniel Ikuonobe, Halima Ahmed, David Okonkwo, and Obi Ajuga.
Described as a “national emergency response,” the initiative aims to scrutinise government actions, highlight policy failures, and propose alternative solutions in areas such as the economy, education, healthcare, infrastructure, law and order, and constitutional reform.
The shadow government draws its membership from various opposition parties and civil society groups across Nigeria.
Utomi cited recent mass defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as evidence of democratic decline, adding that genuine opposition is necessary to hold the government accountable and influence national discourse.
He accused the government of using broad political consensus as a cover for poor planning, particularly in the removal of petroleum subsidies.
The professor said the shadow government plans to meet weekly to analyse public policy and recommend reforms.
He said, “This shadow team must also address issues of ethics, transparency, and integrity, which continue to challenge this government at every turn.”
In reaction, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, condemned the initiative, calling it an “aberration”.
He said, “At a time when our nation is set to celebrate 26 unbroken years of presidential democracy, the idea of a so-called ‘shadow government’ is an aberration.”
“Nigeria is not a parliamentary system where such a system is practised, and there is no provision for such in our statute books. While opposition politics is a central feature of democracy, it must be practised at all times within the bounds of propriety.”
“This idea of a shadow government sadly does not pass that test. Our bicameral legislature amply features members of the opposition, and it should be the right place to contest meaningful ideas for nation-building.”
