Professor Pat Utomi has defended the recently unveiled Big Tent Coalition Shadow Government following criticism from government officials and ruling party figures who described the initiative as unconstitutional and performative.
In a statement titled “In Service of Country, In Obedience to Conscience”, Utomi said the shadow government was not created to challenge the authority of the state, but to function as a platform for responsible democratic opposition. He emphasised that it is rooted in constitutional principles.
“Let me state this plainly: The Shadow Government is not a rebellion. It is not a claim to executive authority. It is not a parallel structure to the state. Rather, it is a citizens’ platform for responsible democratic opposition—an initiative rooted firmly in the Nigerian Constitution,” he stated.
Government figures have pushed back strongly on the initiative. The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the concept has no place in Nigeria’s political system.
“At a time when our nation is set to celebrate 26 unbroken years of presidential democracy, the idea of a so-called ‘shadow government’ is an aberration. Nigeria is not a parliamentary system where such a system is practised, and there is no provision for such in our statute books,” Idris said.
“While opposition politics is a central feature of democracy, it must be practised at all times within the bounds of propriety. This idea of a shadow government sadly does not pass that test. Our bicameral legislature amply features members of the opposition, and it should be the right place to contest meaningful ideas for nation-building.”
Utomi rejected that framing, stating that the shadow government initiative arose from concern about worsening living conditions across the country.
“To label this a ‘drama’ is to miss the point: the real theatre is what millions of Nigerians are forced to perform each day just to survive,” he said.
“We launched this initiative not out of bitterness, ambition, or theatrical impulse—but because our country is hurting. Millions are hungry. Prices are rising. Businesses are closing. Security is deteriorating. And hope is thinning.”
According to Utomi, the coalition’s focus is to offer policy alternatives, encourage civic engagement, and promote accountability—areas he believes are increasingly lacking in current governance structures.
“This is not a political party. It is not an electoral platform. It is a national conscience project—a space for voices that refuse to be silent in the face of national decline,” he said.
He maintained that the group is not seeking confrontation with state institutions, adding that the group’s intention was not to engage in conflict with government bodies but that their effort was aimed at fostering a collective sense of duty,.
He added that they approached the matter with proposals, open discussion, and a commitment to order, rather than aggression or opposition.
Utomi called on citizens to take part in civic life rather than remain passive observers, framing participation as a moral responsibility.
“Let it be remembered that when silence became dangerous, some spoke. Not to incite, but to inspire. Not to divide, but to reform. Not to shame, but to awaken,” noting that “because Nigeria must rise—not by decree, but by design. Not through coercion, but through courage. Not in shadows—but in truth.”
The Big Tent Coalition said it will continue its work, with shadow ministers expected to begin presenting policy proposals and organising citizen engagement forums in the coming weeks.
