By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
Award-winning author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has reiterated her support for Peter Obi, saying his decision to seek the presidency is driven by a desire to serve, not by personal ambition or ego.
Speaking in an interview on Channels Television’s Amazing Africans, Adichie contrasted Obi with other political figures, describing him as someone who is not desperate for power.
“Peter Obi doesn’t need to be president. He wants to lead because he genuinely cares about Nigeria,” she said. “That’s very different from others who chase power out of personal interest, not because they want to make a difference.”
Adichie, known for her vocal stance on national issues, said her support for Obi is based on shared values and a belief in his integrity.
“I support him because I love this country, and I believe leadership matters. With the right leader, Nigeria can move forward,” she stated.
She emphasized Obi’s commitment to accountability and humility, noting that he doesn’t seek praise for fulfilling his responsibilities.
“To Peter Obi, leadership is not something to boast about. He sees himself as accountable to the people, not above them,” she said.
Reflecting on their personal relationship, Adichie described Obi as someone whose core values have remained unchanged over the years.
“I’ve known him for over 15 years. He’s the same person I met back then—humble, principled, curious. Those are rare qualities in politics today,” she added.
When asked how she would respond if Obi is not a candidate in the next election, she chose not to speculate.
“I don’t want to talk about that. We don’t know what the future holds,” she said.
Adichie was a prominent figure in Obi’s 2023 presidential campaign, publicly endorsing him through social media posts and a video message. In a birthday tribute posted in 2022, she called him “my big bro” and expressed faith in his leadership.
After the election, where Obi finished third behind Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adichie wrote an open letter to U.S. President Joe Biden, criticizing the election process and warning against endorsing the results. She also attended the Presidential Election Tribunal in Abuja in support of Obi.
Obi has since announced his intention to run again in the 2027 presidential race.
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