The Department of State Services (DSS) has filed a lawsuit against political economist and former presidential candidate, Professor Pat Utomi.
The suit accuses Utomi of planning to create a “shadow government” in Nigeria. The DSS says such a move poses a threat to national security and the Constitution.
In the suit filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, the DSS wants the court to declare Utomi’s action unlawful.
“It is a deliberate attempt to undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty and destabilise the elected government,” the DSS said in its filing.
The suit, dated May 13, 2025, was filed by senior lawyer Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN) on behalf of the secret service.
Prof. Pat Utomi, who ran for president under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in 2007, is the only defendant listed.
According to the DSS, the idea of setting up a shadow government is not just unusual but dangerous in a democratic system.
“This is not only an aberration,” the DSS wrote, “it is a direct attack on the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
What Is a Shadow Government?
In politics, a shadow government typically refers to an unofficial group that mirrors an actual government. It often critiques the ruling government’s actions and presents alternative policies.
Shadow cabinets are common in parliamentary systems like the United Kingdom, but Nigeria runs a presidential system.
The DSS believes that creating a parallel structure here could cause public confusion, fuel unrest, and challenge the authority of elected leaders.
Although Utomi has made several public appearances in recent months calling for reforms and better governance, he has not officially responded to the legal suit.
The Federal High Court has not yet assigned the case to any judge. This means there is no date for hearing at this time.
Legal experts say the case raises questions about the boundaries of political expression and dissent in Nigeria’s democracy.
Pat Utomi is a well-known professor of political economy, a former adviser to President Shehu Shagari, and the founder of the Centre for Values in Leadership.
In recent years, he has openly criticised corruption and mismanagement in government, calling for citizen participation in reshaping Nigeria’s political future.
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In a dramatic move, Filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, the case seeks to declare his action a violation of the Nigerian Constitution. The DSS says the move could destabilise the country and challenge the authority of the elected government. Utomi has not yet responded, and the case has not been assigned to a judge.
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