An intimate birthday tribute by acclaimed Nigerian author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, took a distinctly political turn on Sunday after she publicly declared her intention to support Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi in the 2027 general election, while describing him as “a good man” and saying she looked forward to calling him “My President.”
The message, released to commemorate Obi‘s birthday, moved beyond personal reflections to become one of the author’s most explicit political endorsements yet, combining memories of friendship, admiration for Obi’s public conduct, and a direct expression of electoral support.
Adichie wrote: “I cannot wait for January 16, 2027, when I, with personal pride in you and with hope for what Nigeria can become, will cast my vote for you.”
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She added that she also looked forward to voting for what she described as Obi’s running mate, former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
Although framed as a birthday message, the tribute arrives at a time when political alignments ahead of the 2027 presidential election continue to attract growing public attention.
Throughout the message, Adichie reflected on years of personal interactions with the former Anambra State governor, where she recalled his relationship with her late parents and highlighted his simplicity, generosity, and commitment to education.
She said Obi frequently visited her hometown of Abba, where he spent time with her parents, particularly discussing national development and economic growth.
Adichie said, “I will never forget your kindness to my beloved parents.
“Thank you for the respect you showed them, for your many visits to Abba, where you gave to Daddy and Mummy the most precious gifts: your time and your attention.”
She recalled teasing Obi about his “obsession with the GDP of Malaysia,” saying those conversations reflected his enduring belief that Nigeria could achieve greater economic progress through practical leadership.
Adichie also recounted an occasion when Obi travelled to New York to support her during an event organised by the United Nations Foundation. She noted that he chose inexpensive accommodation despite his public stature.
She stated, “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?”’
Besides personal anecdotes, Adichie praised Obi’s record of supporting schools, hospitals, and religious institutions, often away from public attention.
She further described him as compassionate, intellectually curious, and consistent in character, qualities she said distinguished him in public life.
She said, “For your compassion and your circumspection. For your honesty and your humour. For your willingness to acknowledge flaws, yours and others’, knowing that nobody is perfect.”
The novelist also reflected on Obi’s relationship with her family. She revealed that her late mother regarded him as her “first son,” while she and her siblings affectionately call him “big bro.”
She concluded the tribute with prayers for Obi and his family before declaring, “You are a good man. You are loved. You are appreciated.”
Adichie’s public endorsement adds another influential voice to Nigeria’s evolving political conversation ahead of the next presidential election. While the birthday message remained deeply personal in tone, its closing declaration transformed it into a significant political statement which signals both confidence in Obi’s leadership and optimism about his future electoral prospects.
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