Shadow Government in Nigeria:Pat Utomi's Move



The Announcement 

On Monday, May 6, 2025, renowned political economist Professor Pat Utomi announced the creation of what he called a shadow government.

According to Utomi, this shadow cabinet will consist of professionals and opposition figures from various parties, tasked with scrutinizing government actions, identifying policy failures, and proposing alternative solutions in critical sectors like the economy, education, healthcare, infrastructure, law and order, and constitutional reform.

He appointed human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi to head the Ombudsman and Good Governance portfolio, while names like Cheta Nwanze, Halima Ahmed, and David Okonkwo feature prominently in the Policy Delivery Unit.

Other experts and professionals that will form the shadow cabinet include: Dr Adefolusade Adebayo, Dr Peter Agadah, Dr Sadiq Gombe, Chibuzor Nwachukwu, Salvation Alibor, Bilkisu Magoro, Dr Victor Tubo, Charles Odibo, Dr Otive Igbuzor, Eunice Atuejide, Gbenga Ajayi, Dr Mani Ahmad, Peter Oyewole, and Dr Omano Edigheji.

Additional members include Sidi Ali, Ibrahim Abdukarim, Adenike Oriola, Promise Adewusi, Prof. Ukachukwu Awuzie, Ambrose Obimma, Rwang Pam, Dr Kingsley Anedo, Prof. Auwal Aliyu, Dr Ghazali Ado, Nana Kazaure, Aisha Yusuf, Dr Charles Gilbert, and Olujimi Akiboh.

A Familiar Voice

For many of us, the name Pat Utomi rings a bell. He’s not new to national conversations. In fact, as a child, I remember seeing him on TV often, an articulate voice on economic matters. I also remember watching his show called Patito’s Gang. Even as young people who leaned more towards entertainment programmes, the show was recognizable.

But I think Utomi must have gotten tired of the talks, which is likely why he journeyed into the political terrain to be part of the action. From contesting the presidency under ADC in 2007, to securing the SDMP ticket in 2011 (before stepping aside), to being a factional governorship candidate in Delta under APC in 2019. Then in 2023, he stepped down for Peter Obi of the Labour Party.

But right now, Pat Utomi has given up on contesting for any seat. I mean, he said so himself, a few days after announcing the shadow government.

Three Faces of Utomi

For me, I have come to see Pat Utomi in three distinct lights.

First, we have Pat Utomi the public intellectual, i.e the analyst, the policy thinker, always quick with insights on governance, the economy, and national development.

Then, we have Pat Utomi the politician, the man who threw his hat into the ring, contesting elections.

And finally, Pat Utomi the structured opposition. It's Pat Utomi the opposition that recently announced the shadow government.

What Exactly Is a Shadow Government?

When I first heard the news, I found it quite interesting mostly because I already have some idea of what a shadow government is.

Now, for those who may be curious, what exactly is a shadow government?

The idea originates from parliamentary systems like the UK, Canada, and Australia, where opposition parties appoint a “shadow cabinet” to mirror government ministries. For every Secretary of State, there’s a shadow counterpart from the opposition. Their job? Monitor, critique, and propose alternatives.

Even though the shadow cabinet isn’t constitutionally mandated in the UK, it’s an accepted tradition. It helps prepare opposition parties for governance and ensures ongoing checks and balances.

But Nigeria Isn’t the UK

Here’s the twist: Nigeria doesn’t run a parliamentary system. We run a presidential system, which means there's no structural space for a shadow government as it is known abroad.

But you know how we are in Nigeria, if it’s not in the constitution, someone is bound to raise an alarm. And indeed, even some lawyers have already criticized Utomi’s move.

Why a Shadow Government?

But the question we must ask is: Why a shadow government? What can it do that opposition parties and lawmakers aren’t already empowered to do in our presidential system?

Pat Utomi hinted at an answer himself when he announced the members of the shadow cabinet. Nigeria’s opposition is shrinking, allegedly co-opted by the ruling party. Recent political defections give a clear picture.

In a country where political defections have become routine and opposition voices are weakened, maybe a structured model like this is his way of reviving real opposition.

Is the Name Necessary?

But again, do we need to call it a “shadow cabinet” to hold the government accountable? Isn't it enough to scrutinize government policies, inform the public, and present alternative solutions without giving it a special name?

And given how quick authorities are to accuse such moves as “usurping power,” is the branding worth the backlash?

In fact, the DSS has now dragged Utomi to court. So, are we already witnessing the short-lived dream of this shadow government?

What Would Functionality Look Like?

But let’s say it’s allowed to function, how would it work?

In the UK, shadow ministers engage government ministers in Parliament. They have Opposition Days, during which they set the agenda, challenge policies, and initiate public debates.

We don’t have that in Nigeria. So, how does Pat Utomi plan to keep this alive beyond press releases and TV interviews? Can his team truly engage the public, educate Nigerians, and influence governance from the outside? What have members of the shadow cabinet said concerning his announcement and latter developments?

And even more importantly, do they have the time and energy to sustain this role?

Talk Is Not Enough

I remember after the 2023 election, Labour Party Presidential candidate Peter Obi held a press conference vowing to play the role of opposition like never before. Has he lived up to expectations is a question I will leave you to answer.

Opposition isn’t about the title you wear.

It’s not about calling yourself a shadow minister or forming a shadow government. It’s about your capacity to understand issues and transfer that understanding to the people, so that the people themselves become the opposition, demanding better and voting better.

The Sentiment Trap

On a sad note, even when an effective opposition is played under whatever guise, I'm afraid the sentimental nature our electoral process has taken leaves one with no hope. Which means, for the effectiveness of any opposition to run its full course, it must dismantle the sentiments (tribe, religion, and region) that come with holding governments accountable — during and after ballots.

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