Obi not desperate for power, says Chimamanda Adichie

Award-winning author, Chimamanda Adichie, said Labour Party’s Peter Obi is not driven by ego or desperation for power.

She stated this in an interview on Channels Television’s Amazing Africans programme on Monday, adding that Obi has remained consistent and humble 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.

“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 said Obi’s values continue to resonate with many Nigerians and also stated that her love for Obi is rooted in her love for the country.

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 praised Obi’s values of humility and accountability, saying he does not view public service as a favour to the people.

She said, “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.”