The Department of State Services (DSS) instituted a fresh legal action against Prof. Pat Utomi days after he announced his alleged plan to establish “a shadow government.” Full details are in the comments.

 

DSS Takes Action Against Pat Utomi Over Alleged Attempt to Overthrow Tinubu’s Government 0 Updated Thursday, May 15, 2025 at 9:02 PM By  Esther Odili reviewed by  Bruce Douglas 4 min read The Department of State Services has sued Pat Utomi for allegedly attempting to usurp President Bola Tinubu by forming a shadow government The DSS, in its suit, said that the shadow government was unconstitutional and posed a threat to national security and the country’s democracy The secret police sought a court declaration that Utomi’s actions were illegal and wanted a permanent injunction against establishing such bodies CHECK OUT: Don't let unemployment hold you back. Start your digital marketing journey today. Legit.ng journalist Esther Odili has over two years of experience covering political parties and movements. FCT, Abuja - The Department of State Services (DSS) has sued a former presidential candidate, Professor Pat Utomi, accusing him of attempting to illegally usurp President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s executive powers by setting up a shadow government. The DSS drags Professor Pat Utomi to court over the alleged creation of a 'shadow government'. Photo credit: DSS, Pat Utomi Source

Utomi sued over alleged 'shadow government' creation In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/937/2025, filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, the DSS said that Utomi’s alleged actions posed a threat to national security and constitutional order. RECOMMENDED FOR YOU Trump pushes Republicans to back 'big, beautiful' tax bill PAY ATTENTION: Follow us on Instagram - get the most important news directly in your favourite app! As reported by The Punch, the 2007 presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) was named the sole defendant in the suit. The suit, which was filed through a team of lawyers led by Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), on Wednesday, May 14, claimed Utomi was attempting to illegally usurp the executive powers of Tinubu. President Bola Tinubu's government says Pat Utomi's alleged 'shadow government' plan is an aberration. Photo credit: Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu/Pat Utimi Source: Facebook Shadow govt: DSS takes action against Utomi Legit.ng reported that the federal government earlier reacted to the alleged inauguration of a shadow government by political activist Utomi. The minister of information and national orientation, Mohammed Idris, said there is no provision for a shadow government in Nigeria's statute books. According to Mohammed, the idea of a so-called 'shadow government' composed of members from various opposition parties would be an aberration. The DSS, in its suit, said: “Based on the intelligence gathered by the plaintiff, the activities and statements made by the defendant and his associates are capable of misleading segments of the Nigerian public, weakening confidence in the legitimacy of the elected government, and fuelling public disaffection.” RECOMMENDED FOR YOU Mixed reactions as Obasanjo orders Nigerian governor in trending video As reported by The Punch, the secret police also said it was certain the defendant’s alleged shadow government, if left unchallenged, could destabilise the country, incite political unrest and undermine national security. “It is in the interest of justice, national security, and the rule of law for this honourable court to declare the existence and operations of the defendant unconstitutional and illegal,” DSS stated. The court is yet to fix a date for the hearing, although The Punch has published the full details of the DSS suit. Utomi’s shadow govt: Lawyers react Meanwhile, legal experts have offered differing views on Utomi's move to establish a "shadow government" as a means of promoting accountability in the country's governance. Salman Jawondo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and former Attorney General of Kwara state, described the initiative as a "welcome innovation" in the nation's political landscape. He said the concept, though unfamiliar in Nigeria, aligns with democratic values and could compensate for the lack of a strong opposition. RECOMMENDED FOR YOU Why I remain committed to Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda despite blackmail, P... “This is not treasonable and does not violate any constitutional provision. It’s a legitimate political response aimed at improving governance,” Jawondo said. “As it is today, there’s no effective opposition in Nigeria, and this initiative may finally put the government on its toes.” However, another senior lawyer, Dr. Akin Onigbinde (SAN), urged caution. While acknowledging Utomi’s intellectual standing, he questioned the relevance of borrowing concepts from systems like the Westminster model in Nigeria’s presidential democracy. “This is a presidential system, not a parliamentary one. Shadow governments are not part of our political structure,” Onigbinde said. “That said, Utomi’s voice is important and should be used to constructively engage—not mirror—government.” Legit.ng notes that Nigeria operates a US-style presidential system, and efforts to adapt parliamentary-style mechanisms have historically met with scepticism. Contrary to the position of the DSS, Utomi said what he's doing has constitutional backing. 'We are doing what the Nigerian Constitution gives us the right to do.' Nigerian elite show panic by trying to shut down alternative voices," he said. RECOMMENDED FOR YOU