The Department of State Services (DSS) has filed a lawsuit against former presidential candidate, Professor Pat Utomi, over his recent formation of a 39-member shadow government.
According to Punch Newspapers, the suit filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja alleges that Utomi’s shadow cabinet is an unlawful attempt to mimic and usurp the executive authority of the elected government under President Bola Tinubu.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/937/2025, describes the formation as unconstitutional and a threat to national security. The DSS, through its legal counsel Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), argues that the shadow cabinet could mislead the public, undermine state legitimacy, and incite political unrest.
Utomi, who contested the presidency under the African Democratic Congress in 2007, maintains that his actions are within his constitutional rights. The shadow cabinet includes roles such as an Ombudsman, a Policy Delivery Unit, and a Council of Economic Advisers.
The DSS claims the alternative structure challenges sections 1(1), 1(2), and 14(2)(a) of the 1999 Constitution. The agency seeks a court declaration that the operation of a parallel authority is illegal and not recognized under Nigerian law.
“The activities and statements made by the defendant and his associates are capable of misleading segments of the Nigerian public, weakening confidence in the legitimacy of the elected government, and fuelling public disaffection,” the DSS stated.
The DSS has requested an injunction to prevent Utomi and his team from continuing with the shadow government’s activities. The case underscores growing tension over alternative governance frameworks outside of formal constitutional institutions.
The court has not yet set a date for the hearing.
Article updated 1 month ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
