The Department of State Services (DSS) has stated that it is not interested in arresting anyone in connection with the proposed shadow government announced by Professor Patrick Utomi, a former presidential candidate and prominent political economist. Instead, the agency has opted to allow the courts to handle the matter legally.
Speaking on behalf of the DSS, the agency’s lead counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), said during a court appearance that the DSS is a civil organization and will not be involved in arbitrary arrests over the issue. This announcement followed the filing of a fresh application at the Federal High Court in Abuja for an interlocutory injunction to restrain Utomi from making public comments or organizing rallies related to the shadow government proposal.
Professor Patrick Utomi, who contested the 2007 presidential election under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), recently unveiled plans to establish a shadow government—an alternative political structure aimed at promoting accountability and policy critique outside of formal government channels. According to Utomi, the initiative is inspired by global democratic models where shadow cabinets serve as watchdogs, offering alternative solutions and pressuring sitting governments to perform better.
Utomi maintains that the shadow government is meant to represent the voices of citizens who feel excluded or unrepresented under the current administration. He insists it is a peaceful, democratic tool to encourage national dialogue and responsible governance, not an act of rebellion.
However, the DSS’s legal move signals concern about the potential political and security implications of such an initiative in Nigeria's context, where political tension and instability can escalate quickly. The injunction seeks to restrain Utomi from further commentary or mobilization until the court determines the legality and implications of his actions.
While the shadow government model is widely accepted in parliamentary democracies such as the United Kingdom, its adoption in Nigeria remains controversial. Supporters see it as a necessary check on executive excesses, while critics argue it could be a covert platform for opposition groups to undermine state authority.
As the legal battle unfolds, Nigerians await the court’s decision on whether such a formation has a place in the country's political landscape, or if it poses risks that warrant judicial restraint.