Obi Seeks Presidency Because He Cares About Nigeria - Chimamanda

Award-winning Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has reaffirmed her unwavering support for Labour Party’s presidential hopeful, Peter Obi, stating that her backing is rooted in her deep love for Nigeria.

Speaking during an exclusive interview on Channels Television’s Amazing Africans, Adichie described Obi as a different kind of politician—one not driven by ego or personal ambition.

“He (Obi) doesn’t need to be president. He wants to be because he cares about Nigeria, but he doesn’t need to be. And that is a very important distinction,” 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.”

The renowned author emphasized that her continued support for the former Anambra State governor, who ran for president in 2023 and has declared interest in the 2027 race, stems from both personal conviction and a desire for a better Nigeria.

“My support for Peter Obi is rooted in my love for this country,” she stated. “I believe that with the right leadership, Nigeria can be better than it is.”

Praising Obi’s character and leadership style, Adichie described him as a man of humility, integrity, and responsibility.

“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.”

Reflecting on their longstanding personal connection, Adichie noted that Obi has remained consistent in his values over the years.

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

Obi, who has promised to serve only a single four-year term if elected in 2027, continues to draw support from many quarters. However, when asked about political scenarios in which he may not be on the ballot, Adichie withheld speculation.

“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,” she said.

Adichie was a vocal supporter of Obi during the 2023 general elections. Her public endorsements—including a widely shared birthday tribute in 2022 and her appearances in media supporting his candidacy—garnered national and international attention.

In her 2022 social media post, she affectionately referred to Obi as “my big bro” and praised his vision for Nigeria.