Former Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) Chairman Sam Amadi has publicly declared his support for Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, ahead of the 2027 election cycle. In a post on the social media platform X, Amadi stated that Obi is the only candidate he can “excitedly support,” while alleging that all other serious contenders are “thieves” and “armed robbers in suits.”
Amadi’s declaration emerged as a reaction to a circulating post linking alleged financial fraud involving Lagos socialite Aisha Achimugu to an unnamed top politician. The post referenced the recent forfeiture of Achimugu’s $13 million by a Federal High Court in Abuja. In his response, Amadi used the controversy to underscore his distrust of the broader political class, singling out Obi as an exception.
“That is why the only presidential candidate I can excitedly support in Nigeria today (amongst the serious ones) is @PeterObi,” Amadi wrote. “The rest are mostly thieves, actually armed robbers in suits and agbada.”
Amadi, a lawyer and former regulatory chief, is known as an outspoken commentator on governance and economic policy. His endorsement carries weight within policy and civil society circles due to his technical background. Obi, a former governor of Anambra State and banker, finished third in the contentious 2023 presidential election but has maintained a significant profile, particularly among younger, urban voters seeking an alternative to the two dominant parties.
The remark reflects a persistent narrative within segments of the Nigerian electorate and public discourse that questions the integrity of the political elite. Allegations of corruption and financial malfeasance remain a central concern for voters, often influencing candidate perception well ahead of elections.
While Amadi’s statement is a personal endorsement, it highlights the early positioning and rhetoric that typically defines Nigeria’s prolonged pre-election season. His characterization of opponents in stark criminal terms intensifies the accusatory tone that frequently marks political debate.
The 2027 presidential election is still over three years away, and no official campaign has commenced. However, endorsements and public declarations from influential figures like Amadi serve as early indicators of potential coalitions and voter alignments. They also signal the continued salience of integrity and anti-corruption platforms in the nation’s political competition.
Amadi’s post does not indicate any official coordination with Obi or the Labour Party. It represents an individual’s viewpoint, yet it injects a forceful moral judgment into the emerging conversation about Nigeria’s future leadership. The underlying issues of public trust, financial accountability, and the conduct of political actors will likely remain focal points as the electoral timeline progresses.
