•Laolu Akande
A former presidential spokesperson and political analyst, Mr. Laolu Akande, has dismissed fears surrounding Professor Pat Utomi’s proposed shadow government, describing it as a harmless expression of political thought rather than a threat to national security.
Akande made the remarks today during an interview on Channels Television, where he addressed the viability of Nigeria’s political opposition and the recent response by the Department of State Services to Utomi’s comments.
Reacting to reports that the DSS viewed Utomi’s idea as potentially unlawful, Akande said security operatives should focus on more pressing concerns.
“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.
Professor Pat Utomi had earlier suggested the creation of a shadow government to provide alternative policy ideas and challenge the current administration intellectually.
The DSS reportedly warned that such a move could be viewed as illegal.
But, 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 do that determination. But I think it’s an expression of an idea,” he noted.
Highlighting 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.
He 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 he acknowledged the good intentions behind the shadow government initiative, Akande expressed doubt over 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.
