Renowned Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has launched a strong critique of Nigeria’s Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, stating that Labour Party’s Peter Obi remains more popular, even in Umahi’s home state of Ebonyi.
In a detailed post on her verified X (formerly Twitter) account, Adichie responded to what she described as several unflattering remarks Umahi has made about Obi.
She asserted that Obi’s credibility and popularity far outweigh Umahi’s, particularly in the Southeast region.
“Even in Ebonyi, should you contest against Peter Obi, the people will choose him over you,” she wrote.
Adichie described Umahi as a “failed engineer”, criticizing his emphasis on concrete and cement infrastructure which she claimed have largely been substandard or unsuccessful.
She also pointed to what she described as political inconsistency on Umahi’s part.
Recalling his 2020 defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), Umahi claimed at the time it was in protest of PDP’s failure to zone the presidency to the Southeast.
However, Adichie argued that five years later, no Southeasterner has emerged as president—and Umahi now claims “it’s not yet our turn.”
The award-winning author drew a sharp contrast between Umahi and Peter Obi.
She described Obi as a symbol of accountability, fiscal discipline, and genuine leadership, while Umahi, in her view, has failed to deliver basic services.
“Leadership is not about glittering projects erected on shaky foundations; it is about systems that work, schools that function, hospitals that heal, pensions that pay, and workers who are treated with fairness. You failed at this,” Adichie said.
Adichie was also critical of Umahi’s time as governor of Ebonyi State.
She alleged that during his administration education declined, healthcare services deteriorated, pension payments were neglected and civil servants suffered poor welfare.
She described flagship projects like the Ebonyi Mall as “a graveyard of failed promises” and said the state airport remains “dormant three years after completion.”
Adichie concluded by warning that Umahi cannot deliver votes for the APC in the 2027 general elections if Obi runs again.
She said that the people remain “Obidient” and would not be swayed by concrete-heavy projects with little human impact.
“We will remind you, Senator Umahi, that in 2027 we remain Obidient,” she declared.
