Economist and political activist Professor Pat Utomi has announced the formation of a shadow government to serve as a credible opposition to President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Launched online under the Big Tent Coalition, the initiative, called a “national emergency response,” includes members from various opposition parties. Its goal is to monitor government actions, identify policy failures, and propose alternatives across sectors such as the economy, education, healthcare, infrastructure, law and order, and constitutional reform.
Pat Utomi stated that the recent defections to the All Progressives Congress highlight challenges facing Nigeria’s democracy. He emphasized that a genuine opposition must critically assess government failures, propose alternatives, and influence positive change to prevent undermining the people’s will. The group will meet weekly to analyze policies and suggest reforms, with a strong focus on ethics, transparency, and integrity—areas he believes are lacking under the current administration.
Pat Utomi emphasized the urgent need to address rising poverty in Nigeria, citing recent company closures and widespread unemployment as signs of failed policies. He accused the government of using political consensus, such as the supposed agreement on removing the petroleum subsidy, to mask poor planning and policy errors that risk damaging the economy. Regarding security, Utomi proposed decentralizing policing by empowering local communities to establish their own armed, trained security forces, complemented by state police and a Federal National Guard. He argued that centralization and corruption have hindered security reforms and that local policing would be more effective.
Pat Utomi described the shadow cabinet as a diverse group of professionals and public figures from across the opposition, serving both as a think tank and a policy watchdog to provide credible alternatives to government decisions. The team includes notable appointees like human rights lawyer Dele Farotimi, who will oversee the Ombudsman and Good Governance portfolios, alongside other experts such as Oghene Momoh, Cheta Nwanze, and Dr. Otive Igbuzor, among many others. This broad assembly aims to enhance policy analysis and accountability.