El-Rufai EFCC Protest: Sam Amadi Says Demonstrations in Nigeria ‘Becoming Useless’ Amid Abuja Clashes

Former Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Sam Amadi, has questioned the credibility of public protests in Nigeria, arguing that many demonstrators are allegedly paid to participate.

Amadi made the remarks on Monday via his verified X account while reacting to protests linked to former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai.

‘Protest Is Becoming Useless’

“Protest in Nigeria is becoming useless, whether for or against government. Protesters are mostly hired. Even when NGOs protest, they hire protesters,” he wrote.

“Then who is invested in protecting public good if we must pay people to express dissent? There is a collapse of common good today.”

His comments have sparked debate over the state of civic engagement in Nigeria, particularly as political tensions intensify.

Tension at EFCC Headquarters

The statement followed heightened drama at the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja, where protesters gathered over El-Rufai’s invitation by the anti-graft agency.

Demonstrators carried placards bearing messages such as: “El-Rufai cannot hide behind politics. Let the law catch up.”

Reports indicated that tensions escalated as rival groups — including supporters of the former governor — confronted security personnel at the commission’s premises.

Security operatives were said to have deployed tear gas to disperse the crowd.

Growing Debate Over Civic Action

The incident has reignited conversations about the role and integrity of protests in Nigeria’s democracy. While public demonstrations remain a constitutionally protected form of expression, allegations of sponsored participation continue to cloud their legitimacy.

As investigations surrounding El-Rufai unfold, the broader question raised by Amadi — about the authenticity of civic activism — is likely to remain part of the national conversation.