- Says Initiative Not a Rebellion…
- A Responsible Democratic Opposition
By Kolawole Ojebisi
Prominent political economist and convener of the newly unveiled ‘Big Tent Coalition Shadow Government’, Prof. Pat. Utomi, has justified his creation of the initiative.
Utomi addressed the rationale for the initiative in a statement issued on Friday titled, “In Service of Country, In Obedience to Conscience.”
According to the statement, the social activist, maintained that the formation of the shadow cabinet is neither an affront to the state nor a grab for power, but “a citizens’ platform for responsible democratic opposition.”
“Let me state this plainly: The Shadow Government is not a rebellion. It is not a claim to executive authority. It is not a parallel structure to the state.
“Rather, it is a citizens’ platform for responsible democratic opposition—an initiative rooted firmly in the Nigerian Constitution,” Utomi declared.
Utomi stressed that it’s disingenuous to describe the movement as a drama intended for political showmanship.
He said, “To label this a ‘drama’ is to miss the point: the real theatre is what millions of Nigerians are forced to perform each day just to survive.”
The former presidential candidate of African Democratic Party (ADP) stressed that the coalition was not conceived or birthed out of bitterness or a subtle means to declare political ambition but inspired by a burning patriotism.
Utomi continued, “We launched this initiative not out of bitterness, ambition, or theatrical impulse—but because our country is hurting.
“Millions are hungry. Prices are rising. Businesses are closing. Security is deteriorating. And hope is thinning,” it read.
“This is not a political party. It is not an electoral platform. It is a national conscience project—a space for voices that refuse to be silent in the face of national decline,” he said.
To government leaders and security institutions, the professor extended respect while offering a challenge: “This initiative is not designed to undermine your authority.
“It is designed to awaken our shared responsibility. We come not with violence or confrontation, but with ideas, dialogue, and discipline.” the statement added.
It continued, “Let it be remembered that when silence became dangerous, some spoke. Not to incite, but to inspire. Not to divide, but to reform. Not to shame, but to awaken.”
“Because Nigeria must rise—not by decree, but by design. Not through coercion, but through courage. Not in shadows—but in truth,” Utomi declared what could be described as the rallying cry of the movement.
Utomi’s statement came amid criticisms from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and other government’s loyalists who have dismissed the move as unconstitutional or even rebellious.
