Sam Amadi, former chairman of the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thoughts, has expressed concern over the increasing attacks on Peter Obi, the former Labour Party presidential candidate, by top government officials.

Amadi pointed out that while Nigerian politicians focus on attacking Obi, he continues to highlight the country’s pressing issues, particularly its poor socio-economic state. He shared his views in a post on X, noting that it has become common for members of the current administration to target Obi, despite his focus on the broader problems facing Nigeria, rather than personal conflicts.

Amadi stated recent criticisms of Obi from the Presidency, Lagos State Governor, and Senate President Godswill Akpabio as examples of this troubling pattern. Obi’s comment about the “labour of our heroes past” being in vain, a remark reflecting on the country’s dismal situation, had sparked sharp reactions, including accusations from Akpabio that Obi was disrespecting Nigeria’s founding fathers. The Lagos State Governor also criticized Obi for his comments about the country’s economic direction during a recent overseas appearance, and the Presidency had earlier dismissed his proposals for governance reform.

Amadi, however, countered these attacks, emphasizing that while government officials focus on discrediting Obi, the former governor remains focused on addressing Nigeria’s structural challenges and the urgent need for reform. He added, “If elections were a purely rational exercise, Peter Obi is so far the only candidate who ought to be elected.”

Amadi lamented about the excessive attention being given to Obi by top government figures, pointing out that Obi’s campaign has remained free of personal attacks, instead advocating for a vision of national renewal based on accountability, economic reform, and responsible leadership.