Politics
Pat Utomi Forms Shadow Govt • It’s an Abberation – FG
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said, “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
Human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi, was named head of the Ombudsman and Good Governance portfolio.
Prof. Pat Utomi, has inaugurated a shadow government composed of members from various opposition parties.
A shadow government is individuals or an organization providing counsel to government officials without being publicly accountable.
Human rights lawyer, Dele Farotimi, was named head of the Ombudsman and Good Governance portfolio.
Others appointed to the policy delivery unit include Oghene Momoh, Cheta Nwanze, Daniel Ikuonobe, Halima Ahmed, David Okonkwo, and Obi Ajuga.
Other members of the shadow cabinet include 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, and Dr. Mani Ahmad, as well as Peter Oyewole and Dr. Omano Edigheji.
Utomi said that the “Big Tent Coalition Shadow Government,” launched virtually on Monday evening, will function as a credible opposition force, highlighting the failures of the Bola Tinubu administration while offering ideas for better governance.
Utomi, however, justified the move, arguing that policy missteps by the current Federal Government had worsened poverty, driven multinational companies out of the country, and intensified terrorism in Benue and Plateau states, alongside rising insecurity and corruption nationwide.
The political activist expressed concern over what he described as the government’s resort to propaganda and the suppression of opposing views.
“The recent spate of defections to the All Progressives Congress provides further evidence that all is not well with democracy in Nigeria,” he said.
“The imperative is that if a genuine opposition does not courageously identify the performance failures of incumbents, offer options, and influence culture in a counter direction, it will be complicit in subverting the will of the people.”
He said the shadow cabinet—made up of figures drawn from several opposition parties—was created to respond to what he called a national emergency.
“Today, I bring to this pioneer body the desperate cries of a people troubled by how their reality seems bound for serfdom.
I challenge you to awaken these people who wrongly believe that everything is fine as long as they can manage a share of what little still trickles down from crude oil sales,” Utomi said.
Utomi stated that the shadow government would hold weekly cabinet meetings to assess government policies and propose practical alternatives.
He identified immediate priorities as the stimulation of production, the formulation of a coherent economic growth strategy, decentralisation of security, and constitutional reform.
The cabinet, he said, would also focus on providing alternatives in healthcare, education, infrastructure development, law and order, and policy monitoring.
However , in a swift reaction, the Federal Government kicked against the move, describing it as an aberration in a federal system of government.
In an interview with the Punch, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said, “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.”
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed it will soon release a revised timetable and schedule of activities for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections to ensure full alignment with the recently enacted Electoral Act 2026.
The announcement comes after INEC initially set the presidential and National Assembly elections for Saturday, February 20, 2027, and the governorship and state Houses of Assembly polls for Saturday, March 6, 2027, in a notice released on February 13, 2026.
Adedayo Oketola, Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan, stated that the commission is reviewing the new Act and will publish a “revised timetable” accordingly.
This follows legislative amendments, including a reduction in the mandatory notice period for elections from 360 days to 300 days under revised Clause 28 of the Act, granting INEC greater flexibility in scheduling to avoid potential conflicts, such as overlaps with religious observances like Ramadan in 2027.
Political party leaders and stakeholders have pushed for the review, emphasizing the need for compliance with the updated legal framework. INEC has also debunked circulating false claims about an official timetable release, reiterating that the authentic schedule will be issued in due course and in strict adherence to constitutional provisions and the Electoral Act.
The forthcoming timetable is expected to detail critical milestones, including party primaries, campaign periods, voter registration updates, and ongoing nationwide voter revalidation efforts aimed at enhancing electoral integrity ahead of the polls.
INEC assured Nigerians that preparations for the 2027 elections are progressing steadily, with the revised timetable set to provide clarity and guide all stakeholders.
Politics
Wike Launches FCT Area Council Poll Monitoring at Lagos Crescent, Garki 2, Urges Traders to Ensure Compliance
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday began monitoring of the ongoing FCT Area Council elections at Lagos Crescent, Garki, where he urged traders and residents to comply with electoral guidelines to ensure a smooth process.
Addressing stakeholders in the area, the minister stressed the need for orderliness and full adherence to directives issued for the conduct of the polls.
Wike thereafter visited other polling units across Abuja to assess the level of preparedness and compliance.
He called on residents to come out en masse to exercise their franchise, assuring them of adequate security and a transparent electoral process.
*The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has deployed its operatives across all six Area Councils in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to monitor today’s local government elections and safeguard electoral integrity.
The deployment aims to curb voter inducement, vote-buying, and other forms of electoral malpractice during the polls organized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In a statement released on Saturday, the EFCC emphasized its commitment to ensuring a transparent and credible process. Executive Chairman of the Commission, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, directed operatives to maintain strict surveillance across all council areas and take decisive action against any attempts to compromise the election through financial inducements or corrupt practices.
“Our officers are fully mobilized and actively patrolling polling units and surrounding areas in the FCT,” the statement noted. “The EFCC remains resolute in protecting the electoral process to promote transparency, accountability, and free expression of the people’s will.
“The six Area Councils — Abuja Municipal, Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, Kwali, and Abaji — are holding chairmanship and councillorship elections today, marking a key local governance exercise in the nation’s capital.
The EFCC’s involvement aligns with broader efforts by anti-corruption agencies and security forces to deter vote-selling and ensure that the elections reflect genuine voter preferences rather than financial influence.
As voting continues, the Commission has urged the public to report any suspicious activities involving money-for-votes schemes, promising swift intervention where necessary.
No major incidents involving EFCC operatives have been reported so far, according to initial updates from various sources covering the polls.
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Wike Launches FCT Area Council Poll Monitoring at Lagos Crescent, Garki 2, Urges Traders to Ensure Compliance
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