Political Economist and Labour Party chieftain, Pat Utomi has revealed the identities of individuals who will form Nigeria’s first organized shadow government.
Speaking from the United States in an interview with The Sun, Utomi described the move as a way to offer Nigerians credible policy options apart from those of the Bola Tinubu-led administration.
He made it clear that the initiative is not a rebellion or an attempt to take over power, but a democratic step aimed at engaging the government through informed criticism and public discussions.
The idea is being driven by the Big Tent Coalition, a group made up of members of the Labour Party, Social Democratic Party (SDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), civil society organizations, academics, and professionals.
According to Utomi, the group came together due to growing dissatisfaction with poor governance, deepening poverty, and weak accountability in Nigeria.
Dele Farotimi, a known human rights lawyer, is in charge of the Ombudsman and Good Governance section.
Other members of the team include Oghene Momoh, Cheta Nwanze, Halima Ahmed, Daniel Ikuonobe, Obi Ajuga, and David Okonkwo.
The shadow cabinet also includes experts like Dr. Adefolusade Adebayo, Dr. Peter Agadah, Dr. Sadiq Gombe, Chibuzor Nwachukwu, Salvation Alibor, Bilkisu Magoro, Dr Jerome Okolo, Dr Leke Pitan and Dr. Victor Tubo.
These individuals are responsible for different areas such as education, economy, health, national security, and youth development.
Utomi stated that the shadow government will meet often to examine the federal government’s actions, suggest better options, and inform the public about matters affecting the nation.
He said this will help move national conversations away from empty loyalty and towards solutions backed by facts and research.
He noted that the current economic situation in Nigeria is troubling.
Many businesses are closing, joblessness is spreading, and people are losing confidence in government.
He said Nigerians need real progress, not just promises.
One of the key ideas from the group is a push for a new way of handling security.
Utomi said he supports a three-level system that includes community police, state-level officers, and a federal guard to deal with the country’s security challenges more effectively.
