Pat Utomi, a professor of political economy and the 2007 presidential candidate of the African Democratic Party, has described the Department of State Services’ lawsuit against his “Big Tent Coalition Shadow Government” as an act of cowardice
The lawsuit, filed by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Akinlolu Kehinde on behalf of the DSS, alleges that Utomi’s initiative is intended to cause unrest and destabilize the country.
In a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday, Utomi condemned the legal action and what he called attempts to suppress free speech in Nigeria.
Earlier, PUNCH Online reported that Utomi launched the “Big Tent Coalition Shadow Government” on May 5. The coalition comprises members from various opposition parties and aims to critique the government’s performance while offering alternative governance solutions.
In his tweets, Utomi urged Nigerians to uphold constitutional principles—particularly on the issue of party defections—rather than being distracted by what he called “shadows.”
He also expressed gratitude to his supporters, noting that some were organizing a team of 500 lawyers to defend him against the DSS. He criticized those in power for prioritizing personal interests over national progress.
“To stifle freedom of expression and bully civilized expression of difference is an act of cowardice and treachery to the constitution of Nigeria,” Utomi wrote. “What many people cannot figure out is how we got here. However, we did, patriots from the six zones of Nigeria must rise to reject this.”
Reflecting on the widespread support he’s received, Utomi added: “I am heartened by messages of solidarity from across Nigeria on this shadowy business of chasing shadows of shadow cabinets. Reminds me of the Nigeria I used to know. It’s energizing—some want to put together 500 lawyers to defend me against the DSS.”
He criticized the obsession with wealth and power, stating: “To worship money and power at the expense of the future all our children will live in, with no care for the peace and progress of those times, is condemnable by all of decent conscience.”
Utomi argued that while the constitution is being violated, authorities are focusing on trivial matters. He cited the failure to enforce constitutional provisions against elected officials who defect from their parties.
“It’s amazing that we are chasing shadows while our constitution is unraveling, aided by those in power,” he wrote. “The constitution holds that those who defect from parties they were elected from MUST have their seats declared vacant. If DSS enjoys going to court, it should prosecute such.”
Utomi clarified that the purpose of the shadow government is to educate Nigerians on governance and hold public officials accountable. He emphasized its relevance, especially in a political climate where, according to him, the constitution is being ignored.
“I first suggested a shadow group as a means of deepening our democracy about 14 years ago,” he said. “The Big Tent Shadow team has never been more needed in Nigerian history. With the political class violating the constitution with impunity as they cross carpets into APC in pursuit of freedom from prosecution from crimes against the people, the imperative of a true opposition rose.”
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