A Federal High Court in Abuja has declared Professor Pat Utomi’s plan to form a “shadow government” in Nigeria unconstitutional.
Justice James Omotosho ruled that the concept of a shadow government or alternative cabinet has no basis in the Nigerian Constitution and conflicts with the country’s presidential system.
The court barred Utomi and his associates from pursuing the initiative.
The Department of State Services (DSS) had filed a lawsuit challenging Utomi’s plan, arguing it was unconstitutional.
Utomi claimed his plan fell under his rights to freedom of expression and association. Justice Omotosho emphasized that while Utomi has fundamental rights, they are not absolute and must operate within constitutional limits.
The formation of a shadow government exceeds those limits and could cause societal disruption.
