Chimamanda: Peter Obi not desperate to be president like some politicians

Chimamanda Adichie, award-winning novelist, says her support for Peter Obi, former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), is inspired by his humility and commitment to Nigeria.

Speaking in an interview on Channels Television, Adichie said Obi is unlike many politicians who are desperate for power.

“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 added that her support for the former Anambra governor is “rooted in my love for this country” and the belief that Nigeria can be better with the right leadership.

The award-winning novelist said Obi’s sense of accountability distinguishes 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.”

Adichie described Obi as “one of the simplest men I have ever known”, saying he has remained consistent for over 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.”

Asked how she would feel if Obi is not on the ballot in 2027, Adichie declined comment.

Adichie, who was a prominent supporter of Obi during the 2023 presidential election, had expressed her endorsement through social media posts, a birthday tribute, and an official video.

In 2022, the novelist described the former governor as “my big bro” and said she believed in his vision for the country.

After Obi lost the 2023 elections to President Bola Tinubu, Adichie wrote an open letter to then US President Joe Biden, questioning the credibility of the polls.

In her letter, Adichie said the election was full of discrepancies and irregularities that were ignored by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

She also attended proceedings at the presidential election tribunal in Abuja in solidarity with Obi.