Amadi slams attacks on Peter Obi, urges government to focus on national challenges

Dr. Sam Amadi, Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thoughts, has publicly condemned what he described as a pattern of unwarranted attacks on former presidential candidate Peter Obi by top government officials.

In a pointed commentary posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Amadi criticized the ruling administration’s apparent fixation on Obi, urging leaders to focus instead on Nigeria’s mounting socio-economic woes.

According to Amadi, a disturbing trend has emerged where key figures in the government—including the Presidency, the Governor of Lagos State, and Senate President Godswill Akpabio—have made Obi the target of repeated verbal assaults, despite the former Labour Party candidate’s consistent emphasis on national issues rather than political personalities.

Amadi pointed specifically to a recent backlash against Obi’s statement that “the labour of our heroes past has gone in vain,” a reflective remark on the country’s current condition.

The statement drew sharp criticism from Senate President Akpabio, who accused Obi of dishonouring Nigeria’s founding fathers.

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Similarly, the Governor of Lagos State recently attacked Obi over remarks made during an international speaking engagement, where Obi scrutinized Nigeria’s economic direction.

The Presidency has also dismissed Obi’s reform-oriented proposals on governance and national development.

Amadi countered these criticisms by arguing that Obi has remained focused on structural reforms, accountability, and economic recovery—issues that resonate with many Nigerians facing increasing hardship.

“While the political elite expend so much energy attacking Obi, the man himself stays committed to the real issues—how to fix a broken system,” Amadi wrote.

“If elections were a purely rational exercise, Peter Obi is so far the only candidate who ought to be elected.”

He emphasized that Obi has avoided personal attacks, instead advancing a vision of national renewal rooted in prudence, economic transformation, and governance transparency. According to Amadi, this principled stance has made him a target for deflection by those in power.

Amadi’s remarks have since gained traction online, sparking widespread engagement among Nigerians on social media. Many users praised his candour and echoed the call for the government to address Nigeria’s pressing challenges—ranging from inflation and unemployment to insecurity—rather than vilifying dissenting voices.

The episode highlights a growing tension between constructive political critique and government defensiveness, underscoring concerns that opposition figures are being unfairly demonized rather than engaged in meaningful policy dialogue.

As Nigeria continues to navigate a complex economic and political landscape, voices like Amadi’s are rallying citizens to demand issue-based leadership and a reorientation of national priorities.