Our Reporter, Abuja
Former Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thoughts, Dr. Sam Amadi, has defended the controversial “Obi or Nothing” slogan, describing it as a symbol of political resilience rather than extremism.
Dr. Amadi made the remarks on Sunday during an X Space discussion organised by the Diaspora Obidients, themed “Harnessing the Obidient Energy: The Role of the Obidients Movement in ADC.” The session focused on the growing alliance between the Obidient Movement and the African Democratic Congress (ADC), as well as the ideological tensions within the emerging coalition.
According to Amadi, the “Obi or Nothing” mantra should be understood as a metaphor for a generational and ideological shift in Nigerian politics, reflecting the determination of young reform-minded Nigerians to reject traditional power-sharing arrangements.
“Obi or nothing is not a negative message,” he said.
“It represents a refusal to return to old political habits where elections are treated as opportunities to share offices and resources rather than to pursue real change.”
He argued that members of the Obidient Movement joining the ADC are not motivated by the usual calculations of political patronage, but by a commitment to systemic transformation.
“These young people are not coming to negotiate who controls petroleum or solid minerals.
“They are coming with a mission — to change the system, not to be absorbed into it,” the rights activist noted.
Amadi warned against attempts by established political actors to dilute the movement’s reformist ideals, cautioning that co-opting its members into traditional power structures could undermine its credibility.
“If this becomes another coalition where a few people get absorbed into power and the Nigerian people are betrayed again, that would be disastrous,” he said.
He further questioned the long-standing assumption that political power is an end in itself, arguing instead that power should serve a broader transformative purpose.
“Power in human society is constant,” Amadi stated.
“The real question is not how to get power, but what we intend to do with it.”
Drawing parallels with political movements in the United States, including the rise of Barack Obama within the Democratic Party, Amadi suggested that principled movements can reshape mainstream political platforms if their energy and ideals are recognised and respected.
“The Democratic Party embraced a progressive movement and allowed it to redefine the party’s direction.
“That is the kind of recognition and reinvention I expect within the ADC,” he said.
He acknowledged that ideological friction is inevitable when reform-driven movements align with traditional political actors but maintained that such tension can be constructive if managed properly.
“We are dealing with a movement rooted in principle, not just politicians seeking power,” Amadi said.
“The ADC must find a way to embrace this new politics and become a credible vehicle for change.”
