Renowned Political Economist, Prof. Pat Utomi, has launched a shadow government, the “Big Tent Coalition Shadow Government,” to challenge the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
Formed with members from various opposition parties, the shadow government aims to provide credible oversight and propose alternative policies for national development.
In a virtual address, Utomi argued that the initiative was necessary to counter the government’s policy missteps, which he claims have exacerbated poverty, driven multinationals out, and heightened insecurity.
He described the move as a response to a “national emergency,” warning that Nigeria risks slipping into deeper socio-economic distress without robust opposition.
However, the Federal Government swiftly condemned the initiative. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, told The PUNCH that the shadow government is incompatible with Nigeria’s federal structure.
“Nigeria is not a parliamentary system where such a system is practised, and there is no provision for such in our statute books,” Idris said, adding that the nation’s bicameral legislature already provides a platform for meaningful opposition.
Despite the backlash, Utomi insisted that a shadow government is crucial for holding the ruling party accountable and addressing critical issues like unemployment, economic decline, and insecurity.
He stressed the importance of ethical governance and transparency, urging his shadow cabinet to propose innovative solutions and offer a counter-narrative to government policies.
The shadow cabinet, which includes figures like human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi, economist Cheta Nwanze, and policy expert Dr. Otive Igbuzor, will hold regular meetings to assess government actions and propose alternatives in areas like healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
Utomi also criticised the government’s reliance on propaganda, drawing parallels to historical fascist tactics.
He further questioned the handling of the petroleum subsidy removal, arguing that better planning could have mitigated its economic impact.
The shadow government, according to Utomi, will focus on decentralizing security, stimulating production, and reforming the constitution to create a more responsive and inclusive political system.
