Nigeria, Sept. 29 -- The Federal High Court in Abuja has declared the proposed shadow government announced by Pat Utomi, a political economy professor and former presidential candidate, unconstitutional and unknown to Nigerian law.

Delivering judgment on Monday, the judge, James Omotosho, essentially barred Mr Utomi and his associates from going on with the plan, which its proponents said was an initiative for holding the Nigerian government itself accountable.

The Judge held that the idea was inconsistent with the country's presidential system and could mislead citizens. He ruled that Nigeria's constitution does not recognise any parallel or alternative government outside the one it provides for.

"Section 14(2)(c) makes no allowance f...