Economist and political activist, Professor Pat Utomi, has unveiled a shadow government aimed at providing a structured and credible opposition to President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The initiative, branded under the Big Tent Coalition Shadow Government, was formally launched during a virtual event on Monday.
Describing the effort as a “national emergency response,” Utomi said the shadow government comprises professionals and political actors from across Nigeria’s opposition parties. Its mandate includes monitoring the federal government’s policies, identifying failures, and offering well-researched alternatives in areas such as the economy, education, healthcare, infrastructure, governance, and constitutional reform.
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Utomi said the country’s democracy is under serious threat, citing the wave of defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as evidence of political instability and weakened opposition.
“If a genuine opposition fails to expose governance failures, offer viable alternatives, and steer political culture in a better direction, it risks becoming complicit in undermining the people’s will,” he said.
The shadow government plans to hold weekly meetings to assess public policies and recommend reforms, with a strong emphasis on integrity, transparency, and ethical leadership—qualities Utomi argues are currently lacking in the administration.
He pointed to Nigeria’s deepening economic crisis as urgent proof of misgovernance: “Poverty is rising, multinational companies are shutting down, and millions remain unemployed. Recent company exits highlight how poorly designed policies have crippled the economy.”
Utomi also criticised the government’s approach to fuel subsidy removal, arguing that widespread political consensus was used to mask serious flaws in the implementation, which further weakened the economy.
On security reform, he called for a decentralised policing system that empowers communities with their own trained and armed forces, supported by state police and a Federal National Guard.
According to him, over-centralisation and corruption remain major obstacles to meaningful reform in the sector.
The shadow cabinet, as announced by Utomi, is composed of a wide array of experts, public intellectuals, and political figures.
Among them is human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi, who will head the Ombudsman and Good Governance portfolio. Other members of the policy team include Oghene Momoh, Cheta Nwanze, Daniel Ikuonobe, Halima Ahmed, David Okonkwo, and Obi Ajuga.
The broader shadow cabinet includes notable figures such as 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.
Utomi said the team will function not only as a think tank but also as a policy watchdog, committed to promoting democratic values and holding the government accountable.
