Pat Utomi, a professor of political economy, has launched a shadow government under the *Big Tent Coalition Shadow Government*, which was formally introduced in a virtual event on Monday, May 5. The initiative is aimed at providing a structured and active opposition to the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
While the concept of a shadow government is more common in parliamentary systems, where it mirrors the official government to offer checks, alternative policies, and accountability, Utomi framed this version as a “national emergency response” to what he described as governance failures under the current administration.
Utomi said the group draws from a broad spectrum of opposition parties and plans to critically evaluate the government’s decisions, expose policy deficiencies, and propose alternatives in areas such as the economy, education, healthcare, infrastructure, law enforcement, and constitutional reform.
Commenting on recent political realignments, Utomi noted: “The recent spate of defections to the All Progressives Congress provides further evidence that all is not well with democracy in Nigeria.” He stressed the need for a credible and organized opposition to hold the government accountable and stimulate public policy debate.
He also condemned the government’s approach to removing the petroleum subsidy, accusing it of using political consensus to cover up inadequate planning. “This shadow team must also address issues of ethics, transparency, and integrity, which continue to challenge this government at every turn,” Utomi added. The shadow cabinet is expected to meet weekly to assess policy developments and propose reforms.
Among those named to the shadow cabinet are human rights advocate Dele Farotimi, who will head the Ombudsman and Good Governance portfolio. Other key figures include Oghene Momoh, Cheta Nwanze, Daniel Ikuonobe, Halima Ahmed, David Okonkwo, Obi Ajuga, Adefolusade Adebayo, and Peter Agadah. Additional members include Sadiq Gombe, Chibuzor Nwachukwu, Salvation Alibor, Bilkisu Magoro, Victor Tubo, Charles Odibo, Otive Igbuzor, Eunice Atuejide, Gbenga Ajayi, Mani Ahmad, Peter Oyewole, and Omano Edigheji.
The roster also includes Sidi Ali, Ibrahim Abdukarim, Adenike Oriola, Promise Adewusi, Ukachukwu Awuzie, Ambrose Obimma, Rwang Pam, Dr. Kingsley Anedo, Auwal Aliyu, Ghazali Ado, Nana Kazaure, Aisha Yusuf, Dr. Charles Gilbert, and Olujimi Akiboh.
In response, Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris criticized the initiative as incompatible with Nigeria’s presidential system. “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,” he stated.
Idris emphasized that Nigeria’s federal structure does not support the concept of a shadow government. “While opposition politics is a central feature of democracy, it must be practised within the bounds of propriety. This idea sadly does not meet that standard. Our bicameral legislature already includes opposition voices, and it remains the appropriate platform for contesting national policies,” he said.
