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.”
News
Prominent PDP Figure Kola Ologbondiyan Resigns from Party After Decades of Service
In a surprise move that has sent ripples through Nigeria’s opposition politics, Kola Ologbondiyan, the former National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has formally resigned from the party, ending a storied career that spanned national leadership roles and high-stakes election campaigns.
Ologbondiyan, a seasoned political communicator and ex-journalist, announced his departure in a heartfelt letter dated December 5, 2025, addressed to the PDP Chairman of Okekoko Ward (Ward 09) in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The missive was made public on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Saturday, underscoring the finality of his decision amid ongoing internal PDP tensions.
In the letter, Ologbondiyan reflected on his journey with the party, extending profuse thanks to its leadership for the platforms afforded to him. “Let me start by thanking you as well as other levels of leadership in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the opportunities provided for me to serve the party as well as our fatherland, Nigeria,” he wrote, evoking a sense of closure to his contributions.
The resignation stems from a deeply personal reckoning, Ologbondiyan explained. After a thorough self-assessment of his role within the PDP’s structure, he determined that stepping away was the most appropriate path forward.
“It is now imperative to bring your attention to the fact that I have reviewed my participation in the PDP and came to the conclusion that, for personal reasons, I need to make my exit. I have therefore come to a decision to formally withdraw my membership of the PDP, henceforth,” he stated plainly.
He concluded the correspondence by notifying the ward executives of his immediate exit and extending warm wishes for the party’s future endeavors, a gesture that tempers the news with goodwill rather than acrimony.
Ologbondiyan’s tenure in the PDP was marked by pivotal media and advisory roles. He previously served as Director of Media and Publicity for the PDP Presidential Campaign Council during the 2019 general elections, where he helmed communications for Atiku Abubakar’s bid against then-incumbent Muhammadu Buhari.
Earlier in his career, he worked as a media aide to former Senate President David Mark, who now leads the African Democratic Congress (ADC), though no immediate ties to that party have been indicated in Ologbondiyan’s announcement.
The resignation comes at a precarious moment for the PDP, which has grappled with internal divisions and electoral setbacks since losing the presidency in 2015. Political analysts speculate that Ologbondiyan’s departure could signal broader disillusionment among the party’s old guard, though he has not yet hinted at future affiliations.
As of Sunday, reactions from PDP stalwarts remain muted, with the party’s national headquarters yet to issue an official response.
Ologbondiyan’s exit leaves a void in the PDP’s publicity machinery, where his sharp-witted defenses often shaped public narratives during turbulent times.
News
Osun PDP Congress: Thugs Arrested, Alleged Governor Makinde Mobilised Them
Scores of Hoodlums Arrested, confessed Governor Makinde mobilised them. Members of the Oyo state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) dominated today’s governorship primaries of the PDP held at Osogbo, investigation and eyewitness accounts at the venue have revealed.
Buses filled with PDP members were seen entering from both Iwo and Ikire end of Osun state last night and early this morning with many of the buses stopping at Adolak hotel, the venue of the congress.
A check through the hall revealed that Osun PDP members were not in attendance even though the Ibadan based zonal youth leader of the PDP was identified as the anchor mobilised of the Oyo state PDP members for the Osun Congress.
A chat with some of the individuals at the Congress confirmed that they were mostly from Oyo state with some of them actually confirming that they were recruited to attend.
The presence of Police men and women from Oyo state who provided security cover for the mobilised party members.
Some political thugs were however arrested and they narrated how they were mobilised from the Government House in Oyo state.
On why Oyo PDP members had to be mobilised for the Osun Congress, a party chieftain from Oyo state who was also present said “Osun PDP did not conduct the mandatory three adhoc delegates to vote at the Congress.
“ So we fill the vacancies with our people from Oyo state. We cannot allow PDP to die here. That is why we have to so mobilise”, the source noted.
Politics
Osun PDP Governorship Primary: Adebayo Adedamola Emerges Winner
Adedamola polled 919 votes out of 957 cast in the primary held today in Osogbo, the state capital.
•Adebayo Adedamola
Adebayo Adedamola on Tuesday emerged as the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party for the Osun 2026 election.
Adedamola polled 919 votes out of 957 cast in the primary held today in Osogbo, the state capital.
The chairman of the primary, Humphrey Abba, announced the result, stating, ”Void votes 20. We told you earlier that one of the aspirants withdrew.
“The candidate that got the remaining votes is Adebayo Adedamola with 919 votes and stands elected and returned.”
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