By Emeka Chiaghanam
Sam Amadi, Director of the Abuja School of Social Thought
and Politics, has said repeated attacks on Mr Peter Obi have failed to weaken
the former Anambra State governor’s political standing because critics have not
produced any credible corruption or scandal allegations against him.
Amadi made the assertion on Saturday in a post on X while
weighing in on a growing debate involving actor-turned-politician Kenneth
Okonkwo and supporters of the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic
Congress (NDC).
The discussion followed comments attributed to Okonkwo, who
reportedly warned that he could reveal information capable of hurting Obi’s
political future if some of the former governor’s supporters continued to
target him online.
However, Amadi argued that Obi’s reputation has remained
largely untouched because accusations and criticisms directed at him have not
been backed by concrete evidence.
According to him, political attacks gain traction when they expose
wrongdoing, corruption or misconduct. In Obi’s case, he said opponents have
struggled to point to any serious scandal capable of changing public perception
of the former presidential candidate.
Amadi maintained that much of the criticism levelled against
Obi amounts to personal dislike and elite contempt rather than factual
revelations.
In his post, he stated that Obi’s image has remained
resilient because those attacking him have failed to present damaging facts
that could undermine his credibility in the eyes of Nigerians.
The political analyst further argued that Obi’s public
service record has provided a strong defence against attempts to tarnish his
image. He suggested that many of Obi’s rivals would find it difficult to claim
a similar record free from major corruption allegations.
Amadi also used the opportunity to compare Obi with other
figures who may seek the presidency, insisting that the former governor
continues to stand out among the current field of potential contenders.
For him, Obi’s enduring popularity is not the result of
political propaganda or online support alone, but largely because critics have
yet to present convincing evidence of wrongdoing against him.
Despite sustained attacks from opponents and recurring
political debates surrounding his future ambitions, Amadi believes Obi remains
a strong force in Nigeria’s political landscape and continues to enjoy
significant public goodwill.
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