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

Published

1 year ago

May 7, 2025

OhiBaba

500 Views

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.”

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Politics

APC Postpones House of Representatives Primary to Saturday

Published

2 days ago

May 15, 2026

Charles Flames

64 Views

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has postponed its House of Representatives primary election for the 2027 General Elections to Saturday, May 16, 2026.

In a press statement issued on Thursday, the party said the adjustment affects only the House of Representatives primary, while the dates for other primaries remain unchanged.

According to the new timetable released by the APC:

House of Representatives Primary: Saturday, 16th May, 2026
Senate Primary: Monday, 18th May, 2026
State House of Assembly Primary: Wednesday, 20th May, 2026
Governorship Primary: Thursday, 21st May, 2026
Presidential Primary: Saturday, 23rd May, 2026

The party assured stakeholders that the shift was necessary and that all other arrangements for the primaries would proceed as planned.

Politics

Makinde to declare presidential ambition on Thursday

The event, tagged “Unity Mega Rally Ibadan 2026”, is expected to serve as the official launch of Governor Makinde’s anticipated 2027 presidential bid, alongside the unveiling of a grand political alliance between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM)…

Published

4 days ago

May 12, 2026

OhiBaba

107 Views

Governor Seyi Makinde is expected to formally declare his presidential ambition on Thursday, 14 May, during a major political rally scheduled to hold at the historic Mapo Hall in Ibadan.

Reports indicate that preparations for the rally have intensified amid growing political realignments within Oyo State and the wider South-West region.

Several grassroots mobilisers, political associates and loyalists of Governor Makinde are reportedly making strategic moves as consultations over a broader political structure continue to gather momentum.

Politics

APC Warns Aspirants Against Violence, Anti-Party Activities Ahead of Primaries

Published

5 days ago

May 12, 2026

Charles Flames

106 Views

The All Progressives Congress National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has urged all aspirants contesting on the platform of the party to maintain discipline, maturity, and sportsmanship ahead of the 2027 party primaries.

In a statement, Yilwatda said that the APC remains committed to conducting transparent, peaceful, and credible primaries capable of strengthening internal democracy and sustaining public confidence in the ruling party.

Yilwatda warned that the party leadership would not tolerate acts capable of disrupting the primaries, including violence, unrest, anti-party activities, or attempts to compromise the integrity of the process.

He stressed that any aspirant or supporter found culpable would face severe sanctions, including suspension from the party, adding that no personal ambition should override the collective interest of the APC and national stability.

The APC chairman reminded aspirants that democratic contests naturally produce winners and non-winners, urging all contestants to accept the outcome of the primaries in good faith.

According to him, democracy thrives on healthy competition, mutual respect, and acceptance of results, while aspirants must see themselves as ambassadors of the party whose conduct should reflect the values and vision of the APC.

He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and promoting unity within the party, and called on party members and stakeholders to support the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda and avoid divisive actions capable of overheating the political environment or undermining progress already recorded by the administration.

Highlighting achievements of the Tinubu administration, the APC chairman pointed to ongoing investments in road infrastructure, rail transportation, energy, agriculture, healthcare, technology, and the solid minerals sector.

He noted that the administration’s reforms are aimed at repositioning Nigeria for long-term economic growth, job creation, food security, and the attainment of a one trillion dollar economy through strategic investments and industrial expansion.