The ongoing barrage of criticism against Peter Obi, the former Labour Party presidential candidate, by senior government officials in Nigeria has sparked concern among political observers. Sam Amadi, a former chairman of the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission and Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thoughts, has lamented the growing trend of unwarranted attacks on Obi. According to Amadi, while Nigerian politicians focus on criticizing Obi, he remains determined to address the country’s dire socio-economic realities.
Obi’s recent statement that the “labour of our heroes past has gone in vain” was met with sharp rebukes from high-ranking government officials, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who accused Obi of being disrespectful to Nigeria’s founding fathers. The Lagos State Governor also lashed out at Obi, reacting to his comments on the country’s economic trajectory during a foreign engagement. Furthermore, the Presidency had earlier dismissed Obi’s ideas and proposals on governance and economic reform.
Despite these criticisms, Amadi notes that Obi has consistently focused on Nigeria’s structural challenges and the need for reform, rather than engaging in personal attacks. Amadi argues that if elections were based solely on rational considerations, Obi would be the only candidate worthy of election. He expressed disappointment at the disproportionate attention paid to Obi by government figures, asserting that Obi has advanced a vision for national renewal rooted in prudence, accountability, and economic revitalization.
The criticism of Obi by government officials has raised questions about the state of politics in Nigeria, where personalities seem to take precedence over policies and issues. Amadi’s commentary highlights the need for a more substantive and issue-based discourse in Nigerian politics, where candidates are judged on their vision and policies rather than being subjected to personal attacks. As the political landscape in Nigeria continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how Obi’s message of reform and renewal will resonate with the Nigerian electorate.
