I Will Keep Expressing Myself Despite Court Judgement – Pat Utomi

Professor of Political Economy, Pat Utomi, has stated that the Federal High Court’s judgement, which restrained him from forming a shadow cabinet, will not stop him from exercising his freedom of expression.

Prof Utomi, who said this while reacting to the judgement of the court in an interview on Channels Television’s ‘Political Paradigm’, argued that he and his associates were not seeking any constitutional recognition.

Justice James Omotosho, who delivered the judgement on Monday, had held that a shadow government or cabinet was unconstitutional and alien to the nation’s presidential system of government.

But, in his reaction, the renowned economist maintained that, “I hope the lawyers will have something to say. We were not looking to find a place in the constitution of Nigeria.”

“This is unprecedented. Whatever it is, we’re not looking for a place in the constitution,” the Professor added.

When asked if the ruling has ended his ‘shadow government’ plans or if he had an alternative, Prof. Utomi insisted on exercising his civic rights.

The DSS, in suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/937/2025, argued that the concept of a “shadow government” was alien to the Nigerian Constitution and that threatened national stability. According to the security agency, such a parallel structure, under the guise of governance, could incite unrest, heighten intergroup tensions, and embolden separatist elements, thereby undermining the country’s internal security.

The DSS contended that with a democratically elected government in place, any attempt to form a rival authority—such as a shadow cabinet—violated constitutional provisions and could lead to political instability.

In its prayers, the agency asked the court to declare the purported shadow government or cabinet unconstitutional, null, and void, arguing it amounted to creating a parallel authority not recognised by the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

Additionally, the DSS sought a declaration that, pursuant to Sections 1(1), 1(2), and 14(2)(a) of the Constitution, any governmental authority or structure established outside the framework of the Constitution was illegal. It also sought a perpetual injunction restraining Prof. Utomi and his associates from proceeding with any steps toward creating or operating a shadow government or similar entity.