Political economist, Prof. Pat Utomi, has unveiled a shadow cabinet to offer policy alternatives to the federal government, as part of his ongoing effort to reposition the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a viable political platform.
Utomi announced the cabinet on Wednesday in Abuja during a two-day retreat of “The Big Tent” coalition.
The appointed shadow ministers include Nana Kazaure for Information, Riwang Pam for Security, Nike Omola for Women and Gender Development, and Peter Agada for Infrastructure.
Speaking at the event, Utomi said the shadow cabinet would not compete with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), but would serve as a policy watchdog, reviewing government actions and providing expert perspectives to improve governance.
“There must be alternative views and reviews to help government move in the right direction,” Utomi said.
He condemned what he described as legislative overreach into project execution, arguing that such practices undermine the constitutional role of the legislature in checking the executive.
Utomi, who revealed that he had proposed a shadow cabinet idea to late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua in 2007, said Nigeria’s developmental stagnation is due to the absence of political will and strategic governance.
He also criticized the federal government’s approach to agriculture, describing it as outdated and ineffective, while calling for the decentralization of policing through the creation of state police.
On the ADC, Utomi described the coalition as “a work in progress” that offers Nigerians a value-driven alternative to the dominant political parties.
This latest move comes weeks after the Department of State Services (DSS) filed a suit challenging the legality of the shadow government, describing it as an attempt to usurp executive authority and warning it could incite unrest.
Utomi, however, dismissed the allegations, warning that attempts to silence opposition voices threaten democracy. He hinted that continued pressure might force him to leave the country.
In May, Utomi had officially launched the shadow cabinet, sparking a legal and political storm that is still unfolding.
'
'
'
'Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
