Renowned author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has reaffirmed her support for presidential hopeful Peter Obi, describing him as a selfless leader who is not driven by ego or desperation for power.
In an exclusive interview on Amazing Africans, a programme aired on Channels Television, Adichie said Obi’s commitment to Nigeria sets him apart from other politicians.
“He 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,” 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 support for Obi is “rooted in my love for this country” and in the belief that with the right leader, “we can be better than we are.”
She also praised Obi’s humility and accountability, saying, “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. There’s a sense, I think, in Peter Obi that he’s accountable to the people.”
Reflecting on their 15-year friendship, Adichie described Obi as “one of the simplest men I have ever known,” adding, “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.”
When asked about Obi’s 2027 presidential ambition, Adichie declined to speculate on his candidacy but stressed that her endorsement stems from trust and conviction.
Adichie was a prominent supporter of Obi during the 2023 general election. Following his third-place finish, she penned an open letter to U.S. President Joe Biden questioning the credibility of the electoral process and appeared at the Presidential Election Tribunal in Abuja in a show of solidarity.
