“Peter Obi Doesn’t Need to Be President”: Chimamanda Predicts Ex-gov’s Fate in 2027
- Award-winning author Chimamanda Adichie stated that her support for Peter Obi is rooted in love for Nigeria
- She described the former governor as a selfless leader who is not hungry for power or fame
- The novelist shared further details of her 15-year relationship with the former Labour Party presidential candidate
- A political commentator, Sam Dede, noted that Peter Obi's values, as noted by Chimamanda Adichie, will make it difficult to survive in Nigerian politics
Nigerian writer, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, has once again thrown her weight behind former Anambra governor and presidential hopeful, Peter Obi, describing him as a rare kind of leader in Nigeria’s political space.
In an interview on Channels Television’s Amazing Africans, Adichie shared that her support for Obi is deeply personal and patriotic.
She said:
“My support is rooted in my love for this country. And in the belief that with the right leader, we can be better than we are.”
Source: Instagram
'Obi is a different kind of politician'
The former Anambra governor, who recently vowed to serve one term as president, has often been criticised by political opponents for throwing mundane gambits in an attempt to curry support for his presidential ambition.
However, for Adichie, Peter Obi represents everything most Nigerian politicians are not.
She explained:
“He doesn’t need to be president. He wants to be because he cares about Nigeria, but he doesn’t need to be. That’s very important."
She added that many politicians are driven by ego and desperation, while Obi stands out as someone who sees public service as a duty, not a platform for praise or personal gain.
“He doesn’t expect you to thank him for doing his job. To him, it’s just his job,” she said with admiration.
Adichie also shared that she has known Peter Obi for over 15 years—and in all that time, his values have remained unchanged.
She added:
“He is one of the simplest men I have ever known. The person I knew 15 years ago is still the same in terms of his values. He is genuine, consistent, and curious.”
See the interview here:
Nigerians react to Chimamanda’s message
Legit.ng compiled the reactions of netizens below:
@Armstrong492
"That's what a leader is built for. Just get the Job done. @PeterObi"
@Twitchy422273
"Association of Gbajues, Nigerians are wiser than this cheap lies and propaganda. Chimamanda is sounding more foolish"
@Ada_Na_Eme:
“He doesn’t need to be president” hit me deep. That’s the kind of humility we’ve been begging for in Nigerian politics."
@Chuks_TheOracle:
"Imagine a Nigeria led by someone who sees leadership as service, not a title. Chimamanda just said what many of us have been thinking."
@Zee4Real:
"The way she talked about knowing him for 15 years and his values staying the same… that’s rare. Nigeria needs leaders like that."
@UgoTalks:
"Chimamanda always delivers her truth with grace. Whether you support Obi or not, her message about ego in politics is so valid."
Source: Instagram
Peter Obi's ideals are rare - Dede
A political commentator, Sam Dede, noted that Peter Obi's values, as noted by Chimamanda Adichie, will make it difficult to survive in Nigerian politics.
He stated:
"Her points about valuing consistency, humility, and genuine public service are hard to argue against. If Peter Obi truly embodies those traits over time, then he represents the kind of leadership Nigeria badly needs. The real test, however, is whether such ideals can survive the realities of Nigerian politics."
Presidential aide Onanuga responds to Peter Obi's promise
Meanwhile, Legit.ng earlier reported that presidential aide Bayo Onanuga reacted after Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 election, said he remains committed to his vow to serve only one term if elected president.
Read also
2027 election: “Govt officials have ruined political parties,” Peter Obi raises fresh alarm
Onanuga spoke on Monday, August 4, via his official X (formerly Twitter) page.
The presidential aide said Obi, referencing the likes of Abraham Lincoln, JFK, and Nelson Mandela, was "wrong".
Proofreading by Kola Muhammed, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
