A political economist and founder of the Shadow Government Initiative, Professor Pat Utomi, on Wednesday unveiled members of his shadow cabinet, declaring that the emergence of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a coalition platform presents a viable political alternative for Nigerians.
At a two-day political retreat in Abuja, Professor Utomi introduced the coalition’s broader vision, stressing the urgent need for ethical leadership and purposeful governance in Nigeria.
He noted that selecting the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as the coalition’s official party is a decisive step toward offering citizens a meaningful and values-based political alternative.
“It will give Nigerians an alternative,” Utomi said. “The coalition is a work in progress aimed at using value-driven projects to move the country forward.”
Unveiling the shadow cabinet during the retreat, Utomi announced key appointments including Nana Kazaure (Information), Riwang Pam (Security), Nike Omola (Women and Gender Development), and Peter Agada (Infrastructure, Urban Development, and Housing).
He emphasized that the initiative is not meant to undermine the authority of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), but rather to provide constructive and expert-backed policy alternatives to enhance national governance.
“Our purpose is not to compete with the government but to enrich governance through constructive alternative views,” he explained. “Good governance depends on the welfare of the people, and for that, we must ensure policy accountability and alternatives.”
Utomi drew attention to the role of shadow governments in mature democracies, where they serve as instruments of checks and balances. He urged Nigeria to adopt similar democratic practices that promote transparency and institutional strength.
He particularly criticized the current model where lawmakers undertake constituency projects, describing it as a constitutional misstep that diminishes their legislative function.
“Legislators are elected to make laws, not to execute projects,” he said. “This practice reduces them to beggars, reliant on the executive for favors, and weakens their primary role of providing oversight.”
The Lagos Business School professor also recalled his discussion with late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua in 2007, where the idea of a shadow cabinet was well received. Although Yar’Adua offered him a role in government, Utomi said he declined in order to preserve his independence.
Utomi further lamented the lack of political will and coherent national strategy as major obstacles to Nigeria’s development. Using the ongoing Coastal Road project as an example, he pointed out that such infrastructure projects should be designed through integrated planning involving affected regions and stakeholders.
“Nigeria has the data and capacity to be great,” Utomi declared. “But what we lack is the discipline and will to govern effectively. Policy inconsistencies remain a major setback.”
He also criticized the federal government’s agricultural policies, arguing that modern farming practices must go beyond the traditional use of hoes and cutlasses, advocating instead for full mechanization.
On the issue of national security, Utomi reiterated the urgent need for a state police system, noting that the current centralized policing structure is inadequate for addressing the nation’s rising insecurity.
“We must act swiftly and decisively to secure the country. Without security, development will remain a mirage,” he stressed.
Utomi called for bold reforms and a renewed commitment to governance that places the Nigerian people at the center of policy formulation and implementation.
His shadow cabinet, he noted, stands ready to contribute ideas, strategies, and scrutiny that could lead Nigeria toward more effective and accountable leadership.