The Federal High Court in Abuja has struck down Professor Pat Utomi’s proposal to establish a “shadow government,” declaring it unconstitutional and a threat to national security.
Delivering judgment in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/937/2025, Justice Omotosho upheld the Department of State Services’ (DSS) argument that Utomi’s move could destabilize the country.
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The court ruled that no provision of the 1999 Constitution permits the creation of a shadow or parallel government, citing Section 1(1) and (2), which affirms the supremacy of the Constitution over all citizens, regardless of political affiliation.
Utomi, a renowned professor of political economy, reacted during an appearance on Channels Television’s Political Paradigm, stressing that his initiative was not intended to seek constitutional recognition. “We were not looking to find a place in the Constitution of Nigeria. This is unprecedented. Whatever it is, we’re not looking for a place in the constitution,” he explained.
While the court’s ruling aligned with the DSS position that the plan could disrupt peace, Utomi insisted that his civic rights remain intact. “As a citizen, I do expect that I will continue to be able to express myself. I also have the freedom to meet with other citizens to jointly express ourselves,” he stated.
Utomi further challenged the DSS to focus on prosecuting politicians who defect from their parties unlawfully rather than targeting his civic engagements.
The ruling has drawn significant public interest, sparking debate on constitutional freedoms, civic expression, and the limits of political activism under Nigeria’s democratic framework.
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