Chimamanda Adichie: My support for Peter Obi is rooted in my love for Nigeria

Chimamanda Adichie, an award-winning Nigerian writer, has revealed that her support for Peter Obi is born out of her love for Nigeria and the desire to see the country excel in all ramifications.

Adichie made the statement in an interview with Channels Television, where she acknowledged that Nigeria has leadership problems and Peter Obi is the right man for the job.

The famous novelist believes that Nigeria will be better under the right leadership, which is why she supports Peter Obi, whom she considers not desperate for power.

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“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.”

Adiche further reveals that Obi’s accountability distinguishes him from his peers and as such, she believes Nigeria will attain new heights under his leadership.

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“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.”

She further described the former presidential candidate as one of the simplest men she has ever known, saying he has remained consistent for over 15 years.

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“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.”

It is pertinent to recall that in 2023, after Obi lost the election to Tinubu, Adichie wrote an open letter to then US President Joe Biden, questioning the credibility of the polls.

Adichie reiterated her love for Obi, whom she referred to as “big bro” in 2022, revealing that she believes in his vision to make Nigeria great again and rid it of corruption.

When quizzed about who she would support should Obi not be on the ballot in 2027, the Dream Count author refused to comment, saying she would rather wait for the time to come and not speculate.