Mr Laolu Akande, a former presidential spokesperson and political analyst, has downplayed concerns over Professor Pat Utomi’s planned shadow government, calling it a harmless expression of political thought rather than a threat to national security.
Akande made the statements on Friday during an appearance with Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, where he discussed the sustainability of Nigeria’s political opposition as well as the Department of State Services’ recent response to Prof. Pat Utomi’s comments.
Akande responded to rumours that the DSS saw Utomi’s suggestion as potentially illegal, saying security personnel should focus on more serious issues.
“I would advise the DSS people not to bother themselves too much. There are more important things for the DSS to deal with. Please, let’s do that. Just leave Utomi alone; he’s just having fun,” he said.
Utomi had earlier suggested the creation of a shadow government to provide alternative policy ideas and challenge the current administration intellectually.
The DSS reportedly issued a warning that such a move could be viewed as illegal.
However, Akande argued that the concept was not aimed at subverting the government but rather at stimulating political engagement and offering ideological alternatives.
“Whether it’s against the law—I wouldn’t be able to say that. I’ll let the lawyers make that determination. But I think it’s an expression of an idea,” he noted.
Speaking on what he described as a “serious vacuum” in Nigeria’s political space, Akande criticised the opposition parties, particularly the Peoples Democratic Party and Labour Party, for their inability to effectively engage with the ruling party on policy debates.
“The credit we can’t deny Professor Pat Utomi is that he understands there’s a serious vacuum, even in terms of contesting ideas with the current administration. The opposition—whether it’s PDP or LP—has completely lost that footing,” he said.
The ace political analyst further clarified that Utomi’s plan is not about taking over government but about filling a leadership gap with constructive input.
“He says it’s not to bring down any government; it’s just to provide ideas, specific ideas and alternatives. It seems to be somebody who understands that we have to contest ideas—even with a ruling party, which is not existing,” Akande stated.
While acknowledging the excellent intentions behind the shadow government idea, Akande expressed concerns about its long-term viability.
“I don’t see it as a very viable thing that is going to happen. I think Utomi is just trying to say, ‘Look, this space is empty—we can’t leave this in a vacuum.’ That’s what I see,” he added.
