Renowned Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie says Labour Party’s Peter Obi does not need to become Nigeria’s president, stressing that his political ambition stems from genuine concern for the country rather than personal gain.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Amazing Africans programme on Monday, Adichie described Obi as a consistent and humble leader who has stayed true to his values despite criticisms and the outcome of the 2023 elections
“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 own personal egos.”
Adichie praised the former Anambra State governor as “one of the simplest men I have ever known,” noting that, “He is genuine and consistent.
The person I knew 15 years ago is still the same in terms of his values.”
She added that Obi does not seek praise for fulfilling his responsibilities as a leader.
“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. These are the reasons I support him,” 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.”
