Ahead of the 2023 general elections, multi-award-winning author Chimamanda Adichie has endorsed Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s nominee for president.
She announced her support on Tuesday, July 19, in a statement in which she sent her congratulations to the former governor of Anambra State, who turned 61 today.
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Chimamanda praised Obi in the message that was posted on social media, referring to him as her “biggest” brother, and she vowed to support him in the upcoming election.
She noted;
I cannot wait for February 25, 2023, when I, with personal pride in you and with hope for what Nigeria can become, will cast my vote for you and your running mate, Senator Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed.
She said that she is motivated by Mr. Obi’s intellectual curiosity, his desire to learn, and his “true love of education” (which is why you sought out and praised your father back when you first found that he was Nigeria’s first professor of statistics, years ago).”
Chimamanda claimed that she has always appreciated Mr. Obi’s compassionate pragmatism and how he is open to speaking with practically anyone if doing so will result in a favourable conclusion.
The renowned author’s backing of Mr. Obi’s bid for the presidency has continued to stir up discussion on social media, with many commenters praising the partnership between Mr. Obi and Ms. Adichie.
An excerpt from the statement reads;
I remember when you came to support me as I was being honoured by the United Nations Foundation in New York, and I teased you about the inexpensive hotel you were staying in, and you shrugged and said, “it’s just a place to sleep, why do I need to be in an expensive place?”
And then only days later, you once again exhibited your incredible generosity to the causes you believe in, and it reminded me of all the hospitals and schools and churches you have supported over the years, and often without fanfare. You have always been clear about what your priorities are, what matters to you, what you believe should matter, and that is deeply admirable.
I have always admired your humane pragmatism, how you are willing to talk to almost anyone if it will bring about a good outcome.
And how you believe in certain ideals without being an ideologue.
Mummy called you her ‘first son,’ my siblings and I call you our ‘big bro,’ and I cannot wait to call you ‘My President.’
I cannot wait for February 25, 2023, when I, with personal pride in you and with hope for what Nigeria can become, will cast my vote for you and your running mate, Senator Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed.
