Award-winning Nigerian author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, has once again declared her support for Labour Party presidential hopeful Peter Obi, stating that her backing is based on a deep love for Nigeria and belief in his leadership values.
Speaking in an exclusive interview on Channels Television’s Amazing Africans, Adichie praised Obi’s character, highlighting his humility, integrity, and commitment to public service — qualities she says are rare in Nigerian politics.
“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,” Adichie said.
The celebrated author contrasted Obi’s approach to power with that of other political figures, noting that many are driven more by ego and personal ambition than by a genuine desire to serve.
“There are people who are desperate to become president, not because they have any good intentions for the country, but because of their egos,” she stated.
Adichie, who was a prominent supporter of Obi during the 2023 general elections, reaffirmed that her endorsement is both personal and patriotic.
“My support for Peter Obi is rooted in my love for this country. I believe that with the right leadership, Nigeria can be better than it is.”
She further described Obi as a leader who understands accountability and sees governance as a responsibility, not a favour to the people.
“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,” Adichie added. “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 her long-standing relationship with the former Anambra governor, Adichie said 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.”
While Peter Obi has already expressed interest in running again in the 2027 presidential elections — pledging to serve only a single four-year term — Adichie was more cautious about discussing the political future, refusing to speculate on party dynamics or alternative scenarios.
“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’s public endorsement of Obi has garnered significant attention since 2022, when she famously described him in a social media post as “my big bro” and praised his vision for Nigeria.
Her continued advocacy reinforces Obi’s enduring influence among Nigeria’s intelligentsia and youth, especially as the nation looks ahead to 2027.
