Pat Utomi’s shadow government is a threat to Nigeria’s unity – DSS tells court
The Department of State Services (DSS) has asked a federal high court in Abuja to restrain Professor Pat Utomi from staging rallies or making further public comments in support of his recently launched shadow government.
Pat Utomi, a professor of political economy, announced the formation of the Big Tent Coalition Shadow Government on May 5, describing it as a platform for “credible opposition” to the President Bola Tinubu administration.
In suit FHC/ABJ/CS/937/2025, filed before the court, the DSS claimed the initiative violates the constitution and poses a threat to national security.
Through its counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde, the DSS alleged that intelligence reports indicate Utomi, who is currently out of the country and expected back on June 6, is planning “to stage road shows and rallies under the guise of freedom of speech and association in a bid to cause public discontent in furtherance of his establishment of the purported shadow government/shadow cabinet”.
The DSS warned that Pat Utomi’s plans are capable of inciting unrest similar to the #EndSARS protests.
“All the planned protests, riots and agitations that will ensue, if the purported actions of the defendant/respondent are not stayed, may lead to mayhem with a potential for anarchy, loss of lives and property,” the DSS said in a supporting affidavit.
The agency also cited Utomi’s remarks during a May 26 lecture at the University of Lagos, saying they “constitute a serious threat to the public order, safety and national unity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
