DSS Sues to Stop Pat Utomi’s Shadow Government: Here's Everything You Need to Know
The political climate in Nigeria has once again taken center stage as the Department of State Services (DSS) moves to legally restrain Professor Pat Utomi from promoting his recently launched shadow government, a bold move that has sparked intense national debate.
According to court documents obtained by NaijaRush.com, the DSS filed a case at the Federal High Court in Abuja, asking the court to declare the formation of Utomi's shadow government unlawful and to stop him from making any further public statements or organizing events related to the initiative.
This unfolding development has major implications for Nigerian politics, freedom of speech, and the right to organize. Here's a detailed look at what happened, why it matters, and what could come next.
What Did Pat Utomi Do?
On May 5, 2025, Professor Pat Utomi, a well-known political economist, public intellectual, and former presidential candidate, announced the formation of a new political platform he called the Big Tent Coalition Shadow Government. The initiative was unveiled virtually and described by Utomi as a credible alternative to President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
According to Utomi, the aim of the shadow government is to provide constructive opposition to what he sees as the shortcomings of the current regime. He presented the coalition as a platform for policy debate, accountability, and reform.
This move, while praised by some civil society actors and opposition voices, immediately drew the attention—and concern—of Nigeria's top intelligence agency, the DSS.
DSS Reaction: National Security Threat or Freedom of Expression?
In response to Utomi’s announcement, the Department of State Services (DSS) filed a legal suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja, labeled Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/937/2025.
The DSS, represented by legal counsel Akinlolu Kehinde, requested an interlocutory injunction to bar Professor Utomi from further promoting the shadow government, either personally or through representatives acting on his behalf.
According to the court filings, the DSS believes that Utomi’s new initiative poses a serious threat to national unity and public order. The agency said its actions are based on intelligence reports, which suggest that the planned public rallies and lectures associated with the shadow government could spark social unrest.
“The activities of Professor Pat Utomi and his associates, under the cover of the so-called shadow government, pose a serious threat to public order, safety, and national unity,” the DSS stated in its affidavit.
The DSS argues that Utomi’s actions, though cloaked in the language of democracy and free speech, are deliberately designed to incite unrest. The agency is particularly worried that his activities could mirror the widespread demonstrations that occurred during the #EndSARS protests in 2020, which shook the country and led to violent clashes between protesters and security forces.
DSS Alleges Plans for Rallies and Road Shows
Another key issue raised by the DSS is that Professor Utomi—who is currently outside Nigeria—is planning a series of public rallies and roadshows when he returns to the country on June 6, 2025.
According to the intelligence cited in the DSS court filing, these events are scheduled to take place in major cities and are aimed at mobilizing public support for the shadow government. The DSS claims that the real intention behind these rallies is not peaceful engagement but incitement.
“These proposed events, presented under the guise of freedom of speech and association, are designed to incite public unrest and mirror the kind of widespread disruption seen during the 2020 End SARS protests,” the DSS stated.
The agency also referenced a public lecture delivered by Professor Utomi at the University of Lagos on May 26, which it claims could sway court proceedings and further heighten public tension. While the content of the lecture was not detailed in the DSS affidavit, the agency clearly views it as provocative and dangerous.
What is a Shadow Government Anyway?
For many Nigerians unfamiliar with the term, a shadow government is a concept borrowed from parliamentary democracies—particularly in the United Kingdom. It refers to a group of politicians who serve as an alternative to the ruling government, usually from the main opposition party. They follow the government's policies closely and present alternative solutions.
However, Nigeria operates a presidential system, not a parliamentary one, which means the idea of a formal shadow government is not recognized in the Nigerian Constitution.
This legal and political gray area is a major reason the DSS is pushing back. The agency believes that introducing a shadow government outside of Nigeria’s legal framework could be interpreted as a parallel power structure, and therefore a challenge to national sovereignty.
DSS Legal Request: What the Agency Wants from the Court
The DSS is not just asking the court to declare Utomi’s shadow government illegal; it wants an immediate and far-reaching interim injunction to prevent him from taking further action.
Specifically, the DSS has asked the court to:
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Bar Professor Utomi from organizing or participating in any rallies, lectures, or broadcasts promoting the shadow government;
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Restrain any individual or group acting on his behalf from making public statements or organizing gatherings in support of the Big Tent Coalition;
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Prevent publications or media interviews that could be interpreted as supporting the shadow government or its agenda.
According to the DSS, granting this injunction is necessary to “serve the interests of justice, uphold national security, and reinforce the rule of law.”
Reactions from Civil Society and Political Analysts
As of the time of publishing, the court has not yet ruled on the DSS’s application. However, political analysts and civil society groups have already begun weighing in on the implications of the case.
Some human rights organizations argue that the DSS’s move amounts to a crackdown on free speech and political opposition, warning that it could set a dangerous precedent. Others say that Professor Utomi’s initiative, while well-intentioned, could indeed raise security concerns if not properly managed within the boundaries of the law.
“This is a constitutional test,” said one Lagos-based legal expert who spoke to NaijaRush.com anonymously. “On one hand, Nigerians have a right to freedom of association and expression. On the other, the government has a duty to prevent any action that could threaten public peace. The court will have to strike a delicate balance.”
What’s Next?
All eyes are now on the Federal High Court in Abuja, which must decide whether to grant the DSS’s request for an injunction. The case could set a major legal precedent for how alternative political platforms are treated under Nigerian law.
Meanwhile, Professor Pat Utomi is expected to return to Nigeria on June 6, 2025. Whether he will proceed with his planned public engagements or hold back pending the court’s decision remains to be seen.
For now, the Big Tent Coalition Shadow Government is under intense scrutiny—not just from security agencies but from the Nigerian public, political stakeholders, and the media.
Final Thoughts
This story touches on several critical issues in Nigerian politics: the limits of free speech, the role of opposition in a democracy, the power of security agencies, and the importance of the rule of law.
Whether you support Professor Utomi’s initiative or view it as a national security concern, one thing is clear—Nigeria’s political landscape is changing, and how we handle dissent will define our democracy for years to come.
Stay tuned to NaijaRush.com for more updates as this developing story unfolds.
