Politics
Adichie Challenges US Characterization Of Nigerian Election In Open Letter To Biden
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, a renowned author, has expressed her disapproval of the United States’ congratulatory message to Bola Tinubu, the President-elect who was declared the winner of the February 25 presidential election.
Following the declaration of Bola Tinubu as the winner of the Nigerian presidential election on February 25, a spokesperson for the US State Department issued a statement commending Nigeria on the outcome while emphasizing the need for calm amidst allegations of voter fraud and technical difficulties.
The spokesperson acknowledged that many Nigerians and political parties have expressed their dissatisfaction with the conduct of the election process, particularly the use of new technical elements that were implemented for the first time in a presidential election cycle.
In an open letter addressed to US President Joe Biden and published in The Atlantic on Thursday, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie expressed her puzzlement over the US description of the Nigerian presidential election as a “competitive election” that marks a new period for Nigerian politics and democracy.
She went on to argue that American intelligence cannot possibly be so incompetent as to not recognize the flaws and irregularities that have been reported in the electoral process.
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie also sounded the alarm about the growing anger among young people in Nigeria. She expressed concern about the palpable discontent, despair, and tension that have not been this intense in years.
She pointed to Biden’s past advocacy for a global community for democracy and his emphasis on standing up for justice and the rule of law as reasons to expect a more nuanced understanding of the situation in Nigeria.
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie argued that a global community for democracy cannot flourish in the face of indifference from its most influential member.
The letter partly reads, “Something remarkable happened on the morning of February 25, the day of the Nigerian presidential election. Many Nigerians went out to vote holding in their hearts a new sense of trust. Cautious trust, but still trust. Since the end of military rule in 1999, Nigerians have had little confidence in elections. To vote in a presidential election was to brace yourself for the inevitable aftermath: fraud.
“Elections would be rigged because elections were always rigged; the question was how badly. Sometimes voting felt like an inconsequential gesture as predetermined “winners” were announced.
“A law passed last year, the 2022 Electoral Act, changed everything. It gave legal backing to the electronic accreditation of voters and the electronic transmission of results, in a process determined by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“The chair of the commission, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, assured Nigerians that votes would be counted in the presence of voters and recorded in a result sheet, and that a photo of the signed sheet would immediately be uploaded to a secure server.
“When rumors circulated about the commission not keeping its word, Yakubu firmly rebutted them. In a speech at Chatham House in London (a favorite influence-burnishing haunt of Nigerian politicians), he reiterated that the public would be able to view “polling-unit results as soon as they are finalized on election day.
“Nigerian democracy had long been a two-party structure—power alternating between the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party—until this year, when the Labour Party, led by Peter Obi, became a third force. Obi was different; he seemed honest and accessible, and his vision of anti-corruption and self-sufficiency gave rise to a movement of supporters who called themselves “Obi-dients.”
“Unusually large, enthusiastic crowds turned up for his rallies. The APC considered him an upstart who could not win, because his small party lacked traditional structures. It is ironic that many images of altered result sheets showed votes overwhelmingly being transferred from the Labour Party to the APC.
“I hope, President Biden, that you do not personally share this cordial condescension. You have spoken of the importance of a “global Community for Democracy,” and the need to stand up for “justice and the rule of law.” A global community for democracy cannot thrive in the face of apathy from its most powerful member. Why would the United States, which prioritizes the rule of law, endorse a president-elect who has emerged from an unlawful process?
“I hope it will not surprise you, President Biden, if I argue that the American response to the Nigerian election also bears the faint taint of that word, compromised, because it is so removed from the actual situation in Nigeria as to be disingenuous.
“I supported Peter Obi, the Labour Party candidate, and hoped he would win, as polls predicted, but I was prepared to accept any result, because we had been assured that technology would guard the sanctity of votes.”
“The smoldering disillusionment felt by many Nigerians, according to the author, is not so much because their candidate did not win as because the election they had dared to trust was, in the end, so unacceptably and unforgivably flawed.
“Congratulating its outcome, President Biden, tarnishes America’s self-proclaimed commitment to democracy. Please do not give the sheen of legitimacy to an illegitimate process. The United States should be what it says it is,” added.
The Presidency has taken a swipe at Peter Obi following his recent exit from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), intensifying political tensions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Reacting to the development, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, criticised Obi’s decision to leave the party, suggesting the former Anambra State governor lacks the capacity to compete within the ADC.
SEE MORE: BREAKING: Peter Obi Dumps ADC Ahead of 2027 Election
Onanuga, who spoke via his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Sunday, dismissed Obi’s reasons for quitting the party as weak and self-serving, insisting that the former Labour Party presidential candidate was avoiding internal contest.
“We told you so. The political nomad is on the move again. Ignore all those puerile reasons he gave… a self-serving letter to his mob,” Onanuga wrote.
He further alleged that Obi deliberately avoided facing key political heavyweights within the ADC, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi.
“Peter Obi is a politician made of jelly, an opportunistic fellow. He can’t fight Atiku or Amaechi for the ticket of ADC. He pursues the easy road, that will only lead him to doom, like in 2023,” he added.
Obi had earlier announced his resignation from the ADC, citing internal crises, endless litigations, and what he described as a toxic political climate within the party.
He maintained that his decision was not based on personal grievances against the party leadership.
“Let me state clearly: my decision to leave the ADC is not because our highly respected Chairman, Senator David Mark, treated me badly, nor because my leader and elder brother, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, or any other respected leaders did anything personally wrong to me. I will continue to respect them,” Obi said.
He, however, alleged that forces responsible for instability in the Labour Party were beginning to infiltrate the ADC, creating division and distracting from national issues.
Presidential hopeful, Peter Obi, has announced his decision to leave the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 general elections, citing worsening internal crises, political interference, and what he described as a toxic political environment.
In a detailed statement shared on his official X handle on Sunday, Obi said the decision followed deep reflection on the state of Nigeria’s political system and his experiences within party structures.
SEE ALSO: Minimum Wage Can’t Sustain Life Anymore — Peter Obi
He said: “My decision to leave the ADC is not because our respected leaders treated me badly… I will continue to respect them.”
Obi specifically mentioned former Senate President David Mark and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, stressing that his exit was not due to personal grievances with them.
According to him, the real issue lies in persistent instability within political parties, worsened by interference, court cases, and internal divisions.
“The same forces that created crises in my previous political experience are now appearing in the ADC,” he said.
Obi lamented what he described as a harsh political climate in Nigeria, where integrity and humility are often misunderstood.
“We live in a system where humility is mistaken for weakness and integrity is questioned,” he stated.
He also expressed frustration over how sincere political efforts are often met with criticism and suspicion.
Despite his exit, Obi reaffirmed his commitment to national service, stressing that his ambition is not about political office.
“I am not desperate to be President… I am desperate to see a better Nigeria,” he said.
He added that his concern remains focused on insecurity, poverty, and improving living conditions for ordinary Nigerians.
Meanwhile, former Kano State governor Rabiu Kwankwaso said consultations are still ongoing among political stakeholders, adding that no final decision has been made regarding broader alignments.
Obi ended his statement on a hopeful note:
“A new Nigeria is POssible.”
He did not disclose his next political destination at the time of filing this report.
Stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State have taken a decisive step toward the 2027 governorship election by purchasing the expression of interest and nomination forms for Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The move, announced on Friday, was led by a delegation headed by a member of the House of Representatives, Awaji-Inombek Abiante, who described the action as a collective decision by party stakeholders across the state.
According to Abiante, the gesture reflects widespread confidence in Fubara’s leadership and a growing demand for continuity among Rivers residents.
READ ALSO: Fubara Shares Palliatives at Community Affected by Gas Emission
“This decision is rooted in the will of the people. It is not about personal ambition or financial strength, but about sustaining a leadership that has shown commitment to development,” he said.
He noted that the governor’s administration has recorded notable progress in infrastructure, particularly in previously hard-to-reach riverine communities.
Abiante cited improved access in areas such as Andoni, as well as the rehabilitation of key public facilities, including the State Secretariat, as indicators of performance.
The lawmaker also highlighted what he described as improved welfare for citizens and a leadership style that is both responsive and people-focused.
“This is a governor who understands the needs of his people and takes action. The support he is receiving is a reflection of that connection,” he added.
Abiante, however, clarified that the governor neither initiated nor influenced the purchase of the forms, stressing that the move was purely driven by stakeholders.
The development comes amid ongoing political realignments in Rivers State following the rift between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.
The fallout had earlier caused divisions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and reshaped the political dynamics in the state.
Fubara’s subsequent defection to the APC has further intensified political activities as he works to consolidate support ahead of the next election cycle.
The nomination forms are expected to be formally presented to the governor as consultations and alignments within the party continue.
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