- She noted that her unflinching support for the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 general election is rooted in her belief in his “selfless leadership” and “commitment” to Nigeria.
Celebrated author Chimamanda Adichie says her closeness to former Anambra State governor Peter Obi is spurred by his remarkable lifestyle and exemplary disposition.
This is even as she disclosed that Obi’s presidential ambition is fuelled by his desire to serve Nigerians and turn around the fortunes of the country.
She made the disclosure in an interview on Channels Television’s Amazing Africans.
She noted that her unflinching support for the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 general election is rooted in her belief in his “selfless leadership” and “commitment” to Nigeria.
She said, unlike any other Nigerian politician, Obi is not driven by ego or desperation for power, adding he does not need to become president, but he wants to because he cares about Nigeria.
“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. 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 said.
The award-winning author noted 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.”
The writer added that Obi’s values, humility, and accountability to the people make him stand out.
“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. He doesn’t think that somehow he will lord it over people,” she said.
Reflecting on their long-standing relationship, 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.”
She also noted that “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.”
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