LAGOS, Nigeria — Professor Pat Utomi, a political economist and public affairs analyst, has reiterated the need for comprehensive restructuring of Nigeria’s political and governance systems, arguing that such reforms are critical to national stability and the growth of democracy.
Speaking at a Democracy Day national dialogue held Thursday in Ikeja, Lagos, Utomi described Nigeria’s current federal structure and the 1999 Constitution as major obstacles to democratic progress.
“There is an urgent need for total restructuring ahead of the 2027 general elections,” Utomi said. “The agitation for restructuring will stabilise and advance democracy in the country, because the present democracy is not the kind Chief Moshood Abiola sacrificed his life for.”
He called on President Bola Tinubu to listen to regional voices such as Afenifere and Ohanaeze Ndigbo, which have consistently demanded restructuring. According to Utomi, responding positively to these calls would help the president earn the trust of the electorate and promote national unity.
Utomi also urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and protective of democratic values, warning against the rise of anti-democratic tendencies in the country.
The call for restructuring comes amid growing legal tensions between Utomi and the Department of State Services (DSS), following his formation of a shadow government. On May 5, Utomi unveiled the Big Tent Coalition Shadow Government, a virtual initiative aimed at providing what he described as a “credible opposition” to the Tinubu administration.
The DSS has since filed a suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja, asking the court to declare the shadow government unconstitutional and to restrain Utomi from making further public statements or organising rallies in its support.
Reacting to the suit, Utomi expressed frustration over what he termed attempts to silence dissenting voices.
“I’m getting fed up with all of this. If they are ready to shut my voice, I am ready to go to Ghana or anywhere else and live peacefully,” he said.
He confirmed that a legal team led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Mike Ozekhome has filed a formal defence on his behalf.
