That's not what's being said here - you've missed the last line. The question is who stands to gain politically if this person is promoted? If the answer is no

That's not what's being said here - you've missed the last line. The question is who stands to gain politically if this person is promoted? If the answer is no one, then it is in no ones interest to push the case for tenure. Frequently politics and 'being liked' are very different.