Renowned Nigerian author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, has described Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, as a leader who is neither motivated by ego nor desperate to attain political power.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Amazing Africans programme on Monday, Adichie said Obi’s humility and consistency have remained intact despite criticisms and the outcome of the election.
“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.
“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,” she said.
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Adichie, who has openly expressed her admiration for Obi, said her support for him comes from her love for Nigeria. She noted that Obi’s values still resonate with many Nigerians.
Reflecting on their long-standing relationship, she added, “He is one of the simplest men I have ever known. He is genuine and consistent. The person I knew 15 years ago is still the same in terms of his values.”
She commended Obi’s sense of accountability and humility in leadership, stressing that he does not consider public service as doing people a favour.
“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.
“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,” Adichie said.
