THE DEPARTMENT of State Services (DSS) has filed a suit against Prof. Pat Utomi, a former presidential candidate, over his alleged plan to set up a “shadow government” in Nigeria.
In the suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/937/2025 and filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja on May 13, the DSS described the move as unconstitutional and a threat to national security.
The agency, represented by a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Akinlolu Kehinde, argued that the proposed shadow government could incite political unrest and undermine Nigeria’s democratically elected government.
The DSS contended that such a parallel structure violates Sections 1(1), 1(2), and 14(2)(a) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which affirm the supremacy of the constitution and mandate that governance must only be exercised through duly established democratic institutions.
According to the suit, Utomi — who was the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate in 2007 – had publicly announced the formation of a shadow cabinet, comprising individuals assigned to roles such as an “Ombudsman and Good Governance portfolio” and a “Policy Delivery Unit Team.”
The DSS claimed that these actions could mislead the public, erode confidence in the elected government, and fuel disaffection.
The agency further stated that despite efforts by the Federal Government, including warnings from the Minister of Information, Utomi remained defiant.
It urged the court to declare the shadow government illegal and issue a perpetual injunction restraining Utomi and his associates from further steps toward its establishment.
As of now, the case has not been assigned to a judge for hearing. (NAN/vitalnewsngr.com)
