Renowned political economist and former presidential candidate, Professor Pat Utomi, has responded defiantly to reports of an invitation by Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS) over his recent activities, particularly the launch of the Big Tent Shadow Cabinet — a citizens-led opposition front aimed at holding the government accountable.
In a strongly worded statement on his verified X handle (@UtomiPat), Utomi declared, “My hands are primed for handcuffs,” as he raised alarm over what he described as creeping authoritarianism and the death of democracy in Nigeria.
“It was put as a question: Is this how democracy dies in Nigeria? The answer is in the affirmative. This is how democracy died in Nigeria — where citizens cannot organize themselves to ask questions of their agents,” Utomi stated.
Utomi, a vocal critic of government overreach and democratic backsliding, condemned what he sees as increasing intolerance of dissent and civil action. He expressed dismay that efforts to deepen democratic accountability through a shadow cabinet have instead triggered a security response.
“To back away from shadowing the government to keep it accountable is betrayal of a moral obligation,” he said, insisting that the Big Tent Shadow Team will continue its work “with diligence and the highest ethical consideration… leading toward the common good.”
He accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of working towards a de facto one-party state through the manipulation of party politics, financial inducements, and the encouragement of crisis in opposition ranks.
“With the one-party state intentions of APC and financing of crisis in all parties outside APC, compounded by the greed of the politicians to remain in the prebendal lane of sharing, the desperation for oxygen in the system meant the imperative of the Big Tent shadow team.”
The Big Tent, he explained, is a coalition of political parties and civil society groups aligned with the Nairobi (1985) Declaration for a tripartite approach to governance. According to him, the platform aims to educate citizens about governance and policy alternatives, while offering ethical oversight of those in power.
“I first suggested a shadow group as a means of deepening our democracy about 14 years ago… The Big Tent Shadow Team has never been more needed in Nigerian history.”
Utomi also criticized the silence and complicity of state institutions in the face of constitutional violations, citing the unchecked practice of political defections without consequence.
“The constitution holds that those who defect from parties they were elected from MUST have their seats declared vacant. If DSS enjoys going to court, it should prosecute such,” he said, adding that it is hypocritical to criminalize efforts like the shadow cabinet while ignoring greater constitutional violations.
Referencing international parallels, Utomi likened Nigeria’s current political climate to the authoritarian regime of Alberto Fujimori in Peru, who manipulated institutions to stay in power before eventually fleeing and facing justice abroad.
He also touched on issues beyond politics, including the educational crisis in Nigeria. He condemned the recent tragedies linked to JAMB malpractices and called for an immediate investigation and punishment for those responsible.
“The opposition front bench… calls for the sack of those who have caused severe grief to young people who worked so hard to test well at JAMB, with some committing suicide from the gravity of negligence.”
Utomi, who recounted past encounters with repression under the Abacha regime, said he is undeterred by any attempts to silence him.
“I will arrive on June 12 and head to Abiola’s residence. My hands are primed for handcuffs. And if the Aquino treatment from Marcos — bullet at the airport — is preferred, I submit willing like a lamb led to slaughter. Death is no big deal. Four of my friends are in the morgue.”
In a message steeped in defiance and historical reflection, Utomi invoked the spirits of Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, and St. Thomas More, expressing a commitment to truth, resistance, and democratic ideals.
“To stifle freedom of expression and bully civilized expression of difference is an act of cowardice and treachery to the constitution of Nigeria… Patriots from the six zones of Nigeria must rise to reject this.”
He concluded with a lament on Nigeria’s persistent energy crisis, contrasting it with progress in countries like Morocco and Kenya. According to Utomi, despite being on the supposedly premium “Band A” power category, he still relies on two generators and solar power in his Lagos home.
“The shadow team conversation on power shows that Morocco, Egypt, Kenya and other African countries are way ahead of Nigeria… Yet I still experience anxiety on power availability.”
Professor Utomi’s statement has drawn waves of support from across the country, with reports that a coalition of lawyers is preparing to defend him should the DSS proceed with any legal action. The Big Tent Shadow Cabinet, it seems, has stirred national debate not only on governance but also on the boundaries of dissent and democracy in Nigeria.
