The Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an order restraining the 2007 presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Pat Utomi, and any other person acting under his authority, from further attempts to establish a shadow government in Nigeria.
Court Declares Move Unconstitutional
Delivering judgment, trial judge Justice James Omotosho ruled that creating a shadow government is unconstitutional, null, and void. He cited Sections 1(1) and 2(1) of the Nigerian Constitution, affirming their supremacy and binding force on all citizens.
Justice Omotosho stressed that while citizens have rights to freedom of expression and association, those rights cannot be extended to forming or running parallel government structures outside the provisions of the law.
Next Steps
The case highlights growing tensions between civil society activists and constitutional provisions on political organization. More details on the ruling and reactions from Utomi and the African Democratic Congress are expected in the coming hours.
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