Former presidential spokesperson and political analyst, Mr. Laolu Akande, has downplayed concerns over Professor Pat Utomi’s proposal to establish a shadow government, describing it as a harmless political expression rather than a threat to national security.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Friday, Akande addressed the viability of political opposition in Nigeria and responded to reports that the Department of State Services (DSS) considered Utomi’s comments potentially unlawful.
“I would advise the DSS not to worry too much. There are more pressing issues they should be handling. Leave Utomi alone—he’s just engaging in political discourse,” Akande said.
Utomi recently suggested the formation of a shadow government to offer alternative policies and intellectual critiques of the current administration. In response, the DSS reportedly warned that such an initiative might be interpreted as illegal.
Akande, however, argued that the idea is not subversive, but rather a means to encourage ideological engagement and fill the current political void.
“Whether it’s legal or not, I’ll leave that to the lawyers. But to me, it’s simply an expression of an idea,” he said.
Akande also criticised Nigeria’s main opposition parties—the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP)—for failing to present effective policy alternatives or challenge the ruling party meaningfully.
“You have to give Utomi credit. He recognises the serious vacuum in our political space. Neither the PDP nor the LP has been able to engage the current administration in any substantial policy debate,” he noted.
He clarified that Utomi’s proposal is not aimed at undermining the government but at offering constructive policy alternatives.
“He’s not trying to bring down any government. He’s trying to introduce specific ideas and alternatives. It’s about contesting ideas, even when the ruling party isn’t doing that,” Akande said.
While supportive of the intent behind the shadow government concept, Akande expressed skepticism about its long-term viability.
“I don’t think it’s something that will take root in any serious way. Utomi is simply pointing out that there’s an empty space in our political landscape—and that it shouldn’t be left unfilled,” he concluded.