Akande urges DSS, “Leave Utomi alone; the shadow government is just political.”

Mr. Laolu Akande, a former presidential spokesperson and political analyst, has allayed concerns over Professor Pat Utomi’s planned shadow government, characterizing it as a non-threatening manifestation of political ideas rather than a national security threat.

In an interview with Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Friday, Akande discussed the sustainability of Nigeria’s political opposition as well as the Department of State Services’ recent reaction to Utomi’s remarks.

In response to rumors that the DSS believed Utomi’s proposal would be illegal, Akande stated that security personnel ought to concentrate on more urgent issues.

“The DSS employees shouldn’t trouble themselves too much, in my opinion. The DSS has more pressing matters to attend to. Let’s do that, please. He added, “Just give Utomi some space; he’s just enjoying himself.”

In order to offer alternative policy ideas and intellectually challenge the incumbent administration, Professor Pat Utomi had previously proposed the establishment of a shadow government.

According to reports, the DSS cautioned that such a step may be considered unlawful.

However, Akande maintained that the idea was meant to promote political participation and provide intellectual options rather than to overthrow the government.

Whether it’s against the law—I wouldn’t be able to say that. I’ll let the lawyers do that determination. But I think it’s an expression of an idea,” he noted.

Highlighting what he described as a “serious vacuum” in Nigeria’s political space, Akande criticised the opposition parties, particularly the Peoples Democratic Party and Labour Party, for their inability to effectively engage with the ruling party on policy debates.

“The credit we can’t deny Professor Pat Utomi is that he understands there’s a serious vacuum, even in terms of contesting ideas with the current administration. The opposition—whether it’s PDP or LP—has completely lost that footing,” he said.

He further clarified that Utomi’s plan is not about taking over government but about filling a leadership gap with constructive input.

He claims that the goal is merely to offer ideas—specific ideas and alternatives—rather than to overthrow any administration. It appears to be someone who recognizes that we must challenge ideas, even in the absence of a dominant party, Akande said.

Akande questioned the shadow government initiative’s long-term sustainability, albeit acknowledging its noble goals.

“In my opinion, that is not a very likely scenario to occur. “Look, this space is empty—we can’t leave this in a vacuum,” is what I believe Utomi is attempting to convey. I see that,” he continued.