The Department of State Services (DSS) has filed a lawsuit against former presidential candidate, Prof. Pat Utomi, at the Federal High Court in Abuja for allegedly attempting to establish a parallel government. The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/937/2025, lists Utomi—who contested the presidency in 2007 under the African Democratic Congress—as the sole defendant. The DSS accuses him of trying to unlawfully assume executive powers belonging to President Bola Tinubu. Utomi recently announced the formation of a 39-member shadow cabinet, claiming it was a response to the Tinubu administration’s alleged poor governance. While the Federal Government and the ruling All Progressives Congress condemned the move, Utomi defended it as a constitutional act. However, through its counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), the DSS described the shadow cabinet as illegal and an incitement to public distrust against the President. The agency argues that Utomi's initiative amounts to forming an alternative government, violating provisions of the 1999 Constitution. According to the DSS, Utomi used public forums, social media, and other channels to launch the shadow government in a bid to challenge President Tinubu’s legitimacy. The shadow cabinet reportedly includes roles such as an Ombudsman and Good Governance portfolio headed by Dele Farotimi; a Policy Delivery Unit comprising Oghene Momoh, Cheta Nwanze, Daniel Ikuonobe, Halima Ahmed, David Okonkwo, and Obi Ajuga; and a Council of Economic Advisers. The DSS warned that the initiative, if not halted, could erode public confidence, incite unrest, and threaten national security. It expressed concerns that such a move could inspire separatist groups and other unlawful actors to establish similar parallel structures, thereby destabilising the country.