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

8 months ago

May 7, 2025

OhiBaba

276 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.”

Up Next

Atiku Says Presidency Panicking Over Planned Coalition

Don't Miss

BREAKING: All Delta PDP Reps defect to APC

Click to comment

Politics

APC states near 30 driven by defections

Unlike the PDP’s rise, the APC’s growth from having 20 governors after the 2023 elections has largely been driven by defections from opposition parties, raising concerns about the concentration of power and the potential drift toward a one-party dominance

Published

3 hours ago

January 2, 2026

OCHEFA

7 Views

Cover image: Map of Nigeria showing APC controlling states ; credit: Daily Trust

(Daily Trust) The All Progressives Congress (APC) is inching closer to controlling 30 of the 36 states of the federation following Plateau State’s Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s exit from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the ‘imminent’ defection of Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP).

Mutfwang formally notified the PDP of his resignation in a letter dated December 29, 2025, but made it public yesterday, paving the way for his registration with the APC, expected to be completed today.

Once formalised, Mutfwang’s defection will bring the number of APC governors to 28, equalling the high-water mark previously set by the PDP after the 2003 general elections.

However, unlike the PDP’s rise, the APC’s growth from having 20 governors after the 2023 elections has largely been driven by defections from opposition parties, raising concerns about the concentration of power and the potential drift toward a one-party dominance.

Meanwhile, Kano State Governor Yusuf’s aides have indicated that his registration with the APC is imminent. Should this occur, the ruling party will be in control of 29 states.

And with first-time governors such as Dauda Lawal of Zamfara (PDP) and Alex Otti of Abia (Labour Party) reportedly weighing a switch option to the APC, the number may soon surpass 30.

Politics

Why I quit PDP – Plateau Governor Mutfwang

The resignation marks a significant political development in Plateau state and is expected to generate reactions within local political circles, given Mutfwang’s involvement and contributions to the PDP activities over the years.

Published

1 day ago

January 1, 2026

OCHEFA

16 Views

Governor of Plateau State , Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang., has formally resigned his membership of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), citing the need to pursue purposeful leadership, clarity of direction, and effective service delivery through an alternative political platform.

In a resignation letter dated 29th December, 2025, and addressed to the Ward Chairman of the PDP, Ampang West Ward, Mangu Local Government Area, Mutfwang announced his decision to leave the party with immediate effect.

Explaining the reason for his decision, Governor Mutfwang noted that the prevailing political realities and his personal commitment to purposeful leadership and service delivery compelled him to seek an alternative platform better aligned with his vision.

The letter, which was officially received and acknowledged by the ward leadership on 30th December, 2025, expressed gratitude to the PDP for the opportunity it provided him to participate in the democratic process.

Mutfwang acknowledged the support of party leaders, members, and supporters at all levels during his time in the party, describing the experience as one for which he remains deeply grateful.

Politics

Atiku welcomes Peter Obi to ADC

Atiku, in a post on X on Tuesday, described Obi’s entry into the ADC as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s opposition politics and expressed optimism about working together to build a formidable alternative to the ruling party.

Published

2 days ago

December 31, 2025

OCHEFA

40 Views

• Atiku and Obi

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has welcomed the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), following Obi’s official defection to the party.

“Today marks a significant moment in the history of political coalitions in our country, with the official declaration of my brother and associate, @PeterObi, into the African Democratic Congress (ADC),” Atiku wrote.

“It is my pleasure to welcome him officially, as we look forward to a robust working relationship that will foster a virile opposition, one that will ultimately form a government capable of bringing prosperity and peace to our people,” he added.