Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, award-winning novelist and renowned public intellectual, has said her support for Peter Obi, former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), is based on his humility, values, and deep commitment to Nigeria.

 

 

 

Speaking in an interview on Channels Television, Adichie drew a sharp contrast between Obi and other politicians, emphasizing that he is motivated by service rather than personal ambition.

 

 

 

 

“He doesn’t need to be president; he wants to be because he cares about Nigeria, but he doesn’t need to be. That is a very important distinction,” she 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 explained that her endorsement of Obi is “rooted in my love for this country” and a belief that with the right leadership, Nigeria can move in a better direction. She praised Obi’s approach to leadership, saying his sense of responsibility and humility distinguish him from his peers.

 

 

 

“Peter Obi is not a person who expects you to thank him for doing his job as a leader, because to him it’s his job,” she said. “There’s a sense, I think, in Peter Obi that he’s accountable to the people. He doesn’t think that somehow, he will lord it over people.”

 

 

 

Describing the former Anambra State governor as “one of the simplest men I have ever known,” Adichie said his values have remained consistent over the past 15 years.

 

 

 

 

“The person I knew 15 years ago is still the same in terms of his values,” she said. “He is genuine, consistent, and curious — qualities that I believe are essential in a leader.”

 

 

 

 

When asked how she would feel if Obi is not on the ballot in the 2027 elections, Adichie declined to comment.

 

 

 

During the 2023 presidential election, Adichie was one of Obi’s most prominent supporters. She expressed her backing through various public channels, including social media posts, a heartfelt birthday tribute, and an official campaign video.

 

 

 

In 2022, she publicly referred to Obi as “my big bro” and said she believed in his vision for the country. After the election, which resulted in the victory of President Bola Tinubu, Adichie penned an open letter to then U.S. President Joe Biden, questioning the credibility of the polls. In the letter, she alleged that the election was marred by discrepancies and irregularities overlooked by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

 

 

 

She also appeared at the presidential election tribunal in Abuja to show solidarity with Obi as he challenged the results.