Popular Nigerian writer Chimamanda Adichie has stated that former presidential candidate Peter Obi is different from politicians who are interested in attaining power simply because of their egos.
She stated that Obi does not necessarily need to be president, but wants to lead because he cares for the people.
Adichie said that her unwavering support for Obi stems from her belief in his “selfless leadership” and “commitment” to Nigeria.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Amazing Africans, the author described him as a man who is not driven by ego or desperation for power.
“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.
She asserted 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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