Renowned Nigerian writer, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, has said her continued support for former presidential candidate Peter Obi is based on his sincerity and deep love for Nigeria not political ambition.
Speaking in a recent interview on Channels Television’s Amazing Africans, the award-winning author described Obi as “different from typical Nigerian politicians” who chase power for ego and not for service.
“He doesn’t need to be president. He wants to be president because he cares about Nigeria,” Adichie said. “There are people who are desperate to become president, not because they have any good intentions for the country, but because of their egos.”
Adichie, who has been vocal in her support for the Labour Party flagbearer during the 2023 general elections, explained that her stance is not based on emotions, but on Obi’s values, humility, and sense of responsibility.
“Peter Obi is not someone who expects to be praised for doing his job. He sees leadership as service, not a throne. There’s a sense, I think, in Peter Obi that he’s accountable to the people.”
She described the former Anambra governor as “genuine, consistent, and curious”, saying she has known him for 15 years and he has remained the same man, despite rising into national prominence.
“He’s one of the simplest men I have ever known. His values haven’t changed. That matters a lot to me,” she added.
When asked how she would feel if Obi does not emerge as a candidate in the next presidential election, Adichie paused.
“I don’t want to talk in specifics about how I will feel if he’s not the presidential candidate. I don’t want to think about that yet because we don’t know what will happen.”
