Professor Pat Utomi, renowned political economist and former Nigerian presidential candidate, has revealed that he may be forced to leave the country following what he describes as targeted efforts by authorities to silence his voice. The latest development follows a lawsuit filed by Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS) against Utomi over his recently launched shadow government, which seeks to present an alternative to the current administration led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Shadow Government Sparks Controversy

On May 5, Utomi announced the formation of the Big Tent Coalition Shadow Government, a structure designed to serve as a “credible opposition” to Tinubu’s government. This shadow government, an idea borrowed from parliamentary democracies like the United Kingdom, is meant to monitor government performance, offer policy alternatives, and serve as a platform for political dissent.

Utomi launched the initiative online, stating that it would foster political accountability and encourage civic participation in governance. However, the move has drawn the ire of Nigeria’s secret police, who consider it not only unconstitutional but also potentially subversive.

DSS Files Lawsuit, Cites National Security Concerns

In response to Utomi’s initiative, the DSS filed a lawsuit at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The agency is asking the court to declare the shadow government illegal and to restrain Utomi from making public statements or organising events that promote the initiative.

Through its legal counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde, the DSS alleged that intelligence reports suggest that Utomi — who is currently overseas — intends to return to Nigeria on June 6 and launch public demonstrations under the pretext of promoting democratic ideals. The agency believes these planned roadshows and rallies could attract large crowds and potentially incite civil unrest.

According to the DSS, such actions mirror the 2020 #EndSARS protests, which began as peaceful demonstrations but later devolved into violent clashes, property destruction, and loss of life. The DSS contends that if Utomi is not restrained, his actions may “cause huge disruption of peace, breakdown of public order, enable riots and violent protests… with potential for anarchy, loss of lives and property.”

Utomi: “They Want to Shut My Voice”

Reacting to the lawsuit in an interview on Wednesday, Utomi expressed deep disappointment over what he sees as an attempt to stifle political dissent and punish legitimate criticism. He suggested that he may consider permanent self-exile if the state continues to target him for his political views.

“I’m getting fed up with all of this,” Utomi said. “If they are ready to shut my voice, I am ready to go to Ghana or anywhere else and live peacefully.”

The 68-year-old professor, who has spent decades advocating for good governance and democratic reforms, said he plans to retire next year but is disturbed by how current leaders treat opposing voices.

“I want to inspire the next generation to be free and make progress,” he said. “Now it is up to them. It is up to the current generation to realise that there are people who don’t want their country to grow.”

Utomi clarified that his efforts are not aimed at destabilising Nigeria but rather at promoting alternative governance ideas to help the country thrive.

Legal Team Mobilises Defence

Despite the escalating tension, Utomi is not backing down legally. He confirmed that a team of prominent lawyers, including Mike Ozekhome, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), have filed a formal response to the DSS suit.

Utomi’s legal defence argues that forming a shadow government is a legitimate exercise of freedom of expression and association as guaranteed under Nigeria’s constitution. His team contends that the DSS is mischaracterising peaceful political advocacy as an act of sedition.

Civil Society and Opposition Watch Closely

The DSS lawsuit against Utomi has raised eyebrows across Nigeria’s civil society and opposition political circles. Many view the move as a dangerous precedent — one that could further shrink the civic space and deter Nigerians from engaging in political discourse critical of the government.

Political commentators have pointed out that shadow governments are not only legal in many democracies but are essential tools for accountability and policy innovation. For example, the UK’s shadow cabinet mirrors each position in the official cabinet and publicly scrutinises government actions.

“There’s nothing inherently unconstitutional about forming a shadow cabinet,” noted Lagos-based political analyst Sola Ajayi. “What matters is the motive and the method. If Utomi is using peaceful means to propose alternatives, then suppressing that with force is alarming.”

Others believe the administration’s response reflects an increasing intolerance for opposition voices and a worrisome slide toward authoritarianism.

A Broader Battle Over Free Expression

Utomi’s ordeal comes amid growing concerns about freedom of expression and democratic backsliding in Nigeria. Several critics, journalists, and activists have recently faced harassment, arrests, or legal threats for criticising government policies.

Observers warn that criminalising political dissent or suppressing opposition initiatives could erode Nigeria’s democratic foundations and stoke deeper divisions within the country.

“If we begin to interpret all political criticism as an attempt to overthrow the state, then we have a bigger problem than any shadow government,” warned human rights advocate Hauwa Bello. “Democracy requires space for opposing views, even if they are inconvenient.”

What Lies Ahead?

As Nigeria awaits the outcome of the legal battle, Utomi’s decision to potentially leave the country will have far-reaching implications. If he exits, it could be viewed as a symbolic blow to the freedom of expression in Nigeria and may discourage other public figures from speaking out.

However, it could also galvanise a new wave of civic engagement, especially among younger Nigerians inspired by Utomi’s longstanding advocacy for transparency, inclusion, and accountability.

The court is expected to schedule a hearing on the DSS application soon, and all eyes will be on whether the judiciary will uphold constitutional protections or grant security agencies broader powers to suppress dissent.

Until then, the fate of Nigeria’s most prominent shadow government — and perhaps the future of political opposition — hangs in the balance.