The All Progressives Congress (APC) has swiftly dismissed Professor Pat Utomi’s recent formation of a shadow government, calling him an intellectual drama king whose ideas often lack substance. Felix Morka, the APC’s National Publicity Secretary, responded to Utomi’s May 5 announcement, which was framed as a reaction to the federal government’s policies that Utomi argues have worsened poverty and stifled dissent in Nigeria. In his statement, Utomi criticized the wave of defections to the APC, claiming it reflected an unhealthy state of democracy in the country.
However, Morka rejected Utomi’s initiative, asserting that while Utomi is free to express his views and form coalitions, his current move lacked credibility and realism. He described Utomi’s decision to declare a shadow government in Nigeria’s presidential democracy as an extreme exercise of free speech. Morka also condemned Utomi’s comparison of the Nigerian political climate to Nazi Germany, calling it reckless and beneath Utomi’s academic standing. Morka said such statements reflected a descent into sensationalism and harmful discourse.
Morka further emphasized the APC’s openness to differing opinions, pointing to the fact that Utomi faced no consequences for his inflammatory remarks, as evidence of President Tinubu’s tolerance. He also highlighted Utomi’s failed 2019 bid for the APC governorship ticket in Delta State and his role in Peter Obi’s 2023 presidential campaign as part of his questionable political track record. Morka argued that Utomi’s portrayal of Nigeria’s policies as obstacles to growth was not a display of genius but a sign of political opportunism and desperation.
In response to Utomi’s claims, Morka insisted the APC had no obligation to advise opposition parties on their internal matters. He further stated that anyone proposing solutions to Nigeria’s challenges should demonstrate competence within their political ranks. According to Morka, the ongoing defection into the APC strongly supported President Bola Tinubu’s leadership. New members chose patriotism over partisan interests and a shared goal of improving the country.
Despite the criticism, Utomi remains determined in his advocacy. He recently revealed plans to mobilize 7.2 million Nigerians for a protest called Freedom Converge, aimed at challenging what he sees as entrenched state capture and self-serving leadership.
