A Federal High Court in Abuja has declared that the plan by political economist Professor Pat Utomi and his associates to establish a shadow government is unconstitutional.
Justice James Omotosho delivered the judgment on Monday in a case filed by the Department of State Services (DSS).
He ruled that the Nigerian constitution does not recognize any form of parallel or alternative government outside the one provided by law.
The judge stated that a shadow cabinet, though common in parliamentary systems, has no place in Nigeria’s presidential model.
He warned that such a move could mislead citizens and undermine the country’s democratic framework.
“Section 14(2)(c) makes no allowance for a shadow government.
The defendant cannot use foreign constitutional models to confuse the people. Such a shadow government is hereby declared void,” Justice Omotosho said.
The ruling comes after weeks of debate following Utomi’s announcement of plans to set up a “shadow government” to challenge what he described as failings in governance.
The court, however, held that the move violates constitutional provisions and cannot stand.
This judgment has sparked fresh political reactions, with Utomi maintaining earlier that Nigerians were already mobilizing hundreds of lawyers to defend his position.
The DSS had approached the court, arguing that the proposal posed a potential threat to national stability and contravened Nigeria’s system of government.
With the ruling, Utomi and his group are now legally barred from pursuing the project.
