Sam Amadi, former chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and a prominent supporter of Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, has publicly acknowledged President Bola Tinubu’s political acumen, describing him as “unarguably a smart politician” despite criticizing his governance record. In a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, Amadi highlighted Tinubu’s strategic maneuvers in Nigerian politics, particularly his ability to secure loyalty from federal legislators and governors ahead of the 2027 presidential election. He noted that while Tinubu’s performance in governance over the past two to three years has been lacking, his political tactics have been highly effective.
Amadi emphasized that Tinubu understands the intricacies of Nigerian political dynamics, stating that he “can beg and can draw blood when he needs to.” This, according to Amadi, reflects a deep understanding of power and influence in the country’s political landscape. He pointed to Tinubu’s successful recruitment of federal lawmakers to his party, a move that ultimately benefited his political ambitions. However, Amadi observed that after these legislators delivered on key legislative priorities, including the passage of a controversial electoral law, they were left “stranded,” suggesting a transactional relationship rather than genuine alliance.
The former NERC boss further explained that Tinubu’s strategy involves selecting governors who possess the necessary grassroots machinery to secure electoral victories, even if those victories are achieved through questionable means. He argued that the new electoral law, which was passed with support from Tinubu’s allies, is designed to favor his re-election bid. “That is political smartness,” Amadi wrote, acknowledging that even if such tactics are self-serving, they demonstrate a calculated approach to maintaining power.
Amadi’s remarks come at a time of heightened political activity as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections. His assessment underscores the growing tension between governance performance and political strategy in the country’s leadership. While he did not mince words about Tinubu’s shortcomings in policy delivery and economic management, he conceded that the president’s political intelligence remains a formidable force in shaping the nation’s political future. As Nigeria continues to navigate economic challenges and political uncertainty, Amadi’s commentary adds to the national discourse on leadership, accountability, and the mechanics of power in the country.
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