Obi cannot run ‘a typical Nigerian political organisation – Amadi

Political analyst and Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thought, Sam Amadi, has questioned Peter Obi's ability to manage Nigeria's complex political system, arguing that his leadership approach may struggle to accommodate the interests of party members and political stakeholders.

Amadi said Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, might lack the political management skills required to run a typical Nigerian political organisation, amid recent departures of key figures from his political camp.

Speaking on Arise Television on Friday, he described a disconnect between Obi's political philosophy and the realities of Nigerian party politics, where managing competing interests and expectations is crucial.

“So, Peter Obi's political management capabilities may not be sufficiently good enough to manage Nigerian politics. That's a big issue,” Amadi said.

He added, “There are some things like a deep dissonance between Peter and Nigerian politics. People forget that dissonance. Peter is not capable. Peter cannot run a typical Nigerian political organisation.”

Amadi also described Obi as a political minimalist, suggesting that his approach could make it difficult for him to manage the extensive negotiations and compromises often required to sustain a political structure in Nigeria.

His comments come amid developments within the Obidient Movement, following the departure of its former national coordinator, Yunusa Tanko, from Obi's political camp.

Tanko recently joined the Social Democratic Party, where he was appointed coordinator of its presidential campaign council ahead of the 2027 general election.

Speaking after his unveiling, Tanko alleged that he experienced a breakdown of trust and loyalty within Obi's camp, insisting that he was pushed out rather than voluntarily leaving.

“The only thing I have suffered in that particular movement is betrayal of trust and betrayal of loyalty,” he said.

Tanko maintained that he had served Obi with diligence, honesty and integrity, but decided to move to a political platform where his contributions would be appreciated.

“You don't stay where you are being tolerated; you go where you are appreciated,” he added.

Amadi, however, argued that some members who joined the Obidient Movement were activists who saw Obi as a platform for advancing their political ambitions rather than individuals with a deep commitment to his political project.

He suggested that some of those leaving might be dissatisfied because the political opportunities and strategic advantages they expected were no longer available.

“Many of these guys are not leaving because there's a fundamental disagreement with Peter Obi. It's also because the career path, the strategic advantage they want to get, he can't offer them,” he said.

Tanko, who was appointed national coordinator of the Obidient Movement in September 2024, was later redeployed as Obi's political adviser on northern affairs.

He resigned from the position on October 30 before joining the SDP.

He has said he will disclose more details about the circumstances surrounding his departure in a forthcoming book.