Dr. Sam Amadi, former Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thoughts, has strongly criticized the increasing wave of attacks targeted at the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, by top government officials. He described this trend as a disturbing and unwarranted fixation that detracts from Nigeria’s pressing socio-economic challenges.
In a detailed commentary shared via his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Amadi pointed out that while Obi consistently concentrates on the country’s deteriorating conditions, politicians in the current administration seem more preoccupied with undermining his character and ideas.
He highlighted recent criticisms of Obi from high-ranking figures such as the Presidency, Lagos State Governor, and Senate President Godswill Akpabio. One notable incident was Obi’s somber comment that “the labour of our heroes past has gone in vain,” reflecting on Nigeria’s state of affairs. This statement drew a sharp rebuke from Akpabio, who accused Obi of dishonouring the legacy of the country’s founding fathers.
Similarly, the Lagos State Governor took issue with Obi’s remarks during an international engagement, where Obi critiqued Nigeria’s economic direction. The Presidency, too, had previously dismissed his proposals for governance and economic reform.
Amadi, however, offered a different perspective, emphasizing that Obi has maintained a disciplined focus on the need for systemic reforms and national development. He noted that while the political elite invest substantial energy in attacking Obi, the former Anambra State governor refrains from personal attacks and continues to champion a message of prudence, accountability, and economic transformation.
“If elections were a purely rational exercise, Peter Obi is so far the only candidate who ought to be elected,” Amadi asserted, highlighting Obi’s merit-based approach to politics.
His remarks have stirred considerable discussion across social media, with many Nigerians aligning with his views and calling on government leaders to prioritize addressing the nation’s fundamental problems instead of vilifying dissenting voices.
