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Utomi Launches Shadow Government to Counter Tinubu’s Policies
Prominent economist and political figure, Professor Pat Utomi, has unveiled a shadow government comprised of various opposition party members, aiming to serve as a constructive yet firm counterforce to the current administration under President Bola Tinubu.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
In a virtual event on Monday, Utomi announced the formation of the “Big Tent Coalition Shadow Government,” declaring it a platform to scrutinize and challenge the perceived failures of the federal government while proposing policy alternatives.
The Federal Government swiftly condemned the initiative. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, criticized it as inappropriate for Nigeria’s presidential democracy, noting that shadow governments are alien to the nation’s federal and legal frameworks. He emphasized that opposition politics should be conducted within democratic norms and institutions such as the National Assembly.
Defending his initiative, Utomi cited worsening socio-economic conditions, the exodus of multinational firms, and increasing insecurity—particularly in Benue and Plateau—as urgent reasons for establishing an alternative governance body. He accused the ruling party of relying on propaganda and stifling dissent.
“The shadow government was born out of a national emergency,” Utomi said, warning that continued silence in the face of poor governance would make the opposition complicit in the system’s failures. He expressed concern over political defections into the ruling All Progressives Congress, suggesting it signals a deepening democratic crisis.
The shadow cabinet, comprising diverse experts and activists—including rights lawyer Dele Farotimi, policy analysts Cheta Nwanze and Halima Ahmed, and several academics—will hold weekly sessions to critique government actions and propose solutions in key areas like economy, healthcare, education, infrastructure, and security.
Utomi emphasized the need for decentralizing the policing structure, proposing a multi-tiered security system involving local, state, and federal units to combat terrorism and restore public trust. He also highlighted the adverse impact of the poorly executed petroleum subsidy removal, calling it a major policy blunder that deepened public hardship.
He criticized the perceived opulence and wasteful spending by public officials amid widespread poverty, asserting that equitable sacrifice is necessary for national unity and reform. The shadow government, he said, must promote integrity, ethics, and sound governance as foundations for Nigeria’s progress.
In his concluding remarks, Utomi urged his team to pursue a robust growth agenda and welcomed the possibility of the ruling party adopting their ideas if it benefits the nation.
The Former Parliamentarians Forum has dismissed calls for the removal of the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, describing such demands as misguided and lacking a proper understanding of Nigeria’s security situation.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The group cautioned against external interference in the country’s internal security affairs, warning that it could disrupt ongoing efforts to stabilise troubled regions.
In a statement signed by its chairman, Hon. Gabriel Idoko, the Forum responded to recent remarks by Kimberly Daniels, who called for Matawalle’s removal following a security assessment on Nigeria.
It said the conclusion was based on a “selective interpretation” of the country’s complex security challenges.
The Forum argued that Nigeria’s insecurity cannot be resolved by targeting individuals, stressing that it requires coordinated institutional action across security agencies.
It added that Matawalle works within a broader defence structure under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, contributing to joint military operations and intelligence coordination.
According to the group, undermining that collaboration based on unverified claims would be harmful to national security.
The Forum also warned against what it described as growing external influence in Nigeria’s security discourse without proper engagement with local realities.
It urged that allegations of wrongdoing be handled through credible investigations rather than public speculation.
While acknowledging ongoing security challenges in parts of the country, the group said accountability must follow due process and evidence-based procedures.
It further defended Matawalle’s experience as a former governor of Zamfara State, saying it gives him valuable insight into handling rural insecurity and community conflicts.
The Forum called for support for security agencies and urged stakeholders to avoid statements that could weaken public confidence or troop morale, insisting that constructive engagement is key to addressing the nation’s security concerns.
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, has ruled out the possibility of automatic tickets for National Assembly members ahead of the 2027 general elections.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
He made the clarification during a media chat in Abuja, stressing that both the APC constitution and the Electoral Act clearly outline how candidates emerge.
Yilwatda said the party has no provision for automatic nominations, adding that all aspirants must go through the approved primary processes.
“There is no automatic ticket in our constitution. The party cannot promise an automatic ticket,” he said.
He explained that the Electoral Act only recognises consensus or direct primaries, not automatic selections.
“All members of our party will undergo the same process. We will use the Electoral Act, our party guidelines, and constitution to get people to participate in primaries,” he added.
The APC chairman also noted that performance would play a key role in determining who gets the party’s ticket, saying party members and voters will ultimately judge lawmakers seeking re-election.
Peter Obi’s spokesperson, Yunusa Tanko, has called on political parties aiming for victory in the 2027 elections to zone their presidential ticket to the South.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, Tanko said retaining the current power rotation arrangement would improve any party’s chances at the polls.
He argued that since the presidency is currently in the South, political parties should maintain the regional balance in their selection process.
“To make it easy for the party to win, zone it to the South and give the candidacy to the South, and you are sure of winning,” he said.
Tanko warned that ignoring zoning considerations could hurt any party’s electoral prospects in 2027.
“Anything short of that will only bring you losing the election,” he added.
He further urged Nigerians to conduct independent assessments of the political climate, insisting that public opinion supports the zoning position.
His comments come amid ongoing political debates over zoning and power rotation ahead of the 2027 presidential race.
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