Political economist and Centre for Values in Leadership founder, Professor Pat Utomi, says the idea of a shadow cabinet in Nigeria predates current debates. According to a report, Utomi disclosed that he formed a shadow cabinet as far back as 2008 and discussed the concept with then-President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.
Utomi, who recently announced a renewed shadow cabinet initiative to promote what he called “responsible democratic opposition,” is currently facing charges from the Department of State Security (DSS) over concerns of establishing a parallel government in Nigeria.
Speaking during a virtual lecture hosted by the University of Lagos Mass Communication Class of 1988 on Saturday, Utomi pushed back against the notion that the shadow cabinet idea is a novelty.
“People think the idea of a shadow cabinet is new. It is not at all. It shows that we have been asleep at the wheel,” Utomi said.
The academic explained that shadow governance allows opposition figures and civil society leaders to critique policies and offer alternatives, without holding public office. He recalled turning down a government role under Yar’Adua to focus on developing these alternative ideas with his team.
“I told President Yar’Adua I had created a group of friends I call a shadow cabinet to provide alternatives to the government in terms of ideas and policies. It would not look nice if I abandoned it,” he said.
Utomi said that the shadow cabinet has convened frequently since 2008, discussing major national issues and influencing public discourse. He noted that over time, members of the group have gone on to serve in various official roles at the state and federal levels.
Reflecting on his political philosophy, Utomi noted that Nigeria lacks ideological political parties, describing most platforms as mere electoral machines. He referenced a 2012 lecture in Abuja where he expressed frustration over the absence of vision-driven parties.
He also recalled his involvement in drafting the early roadmap for the All Progressives Congress (APC) alongside figures such as Yemi Osinbajo and Wale Edun. However, he expressed disappointment that the party deviated from its initial ideals.
Utomi, currently in the United States, said his reluctance to accept government appointments is rooted in the belief that sustainable change comes from systems and institutions, not just individuals in office. He pointed to the experience of activists who lose influence after taking public office as a cautionary tale.
He described President Yar’Adua as a thoughtful leader who was open to new ideas before his health declined.
“President Yar’Adua listened to me speak for two hours straight. He didn’t blink. He was ready to act. If he had lived, Nigeria may have taken a different path,” Utomi said.
Article updated 3 weeks ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
