Popular Nigerian storyteller Chimamanda Adichie says the Labour Party 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi is not desperate to be president, or is his ambition driven by ego.
Speaking in an interview on Channels Television’s Amazing Africans programme on Monday, she said Obi wants to be president because he cares about Nigeria, unlike others.
The award-winning author noted that the former Anambra State governor 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,” Adichie said.
She 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.
“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.
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