The former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Nkanu Nnamdi, son of renowned Nigerian author Chimamanda Adichie and her husband, Dr. Ivara Esege.
PUNCH Online earlier reported that the 21-month-old baby passed away on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, after a brief illness, according to a statement issued on Thursday by Omawumi Ogbe, on behalf of the family.
The statement said the family is devastated by the loss and requested that their privacy be respected during this difficult time.
In a personal statement issued by his spokesman, Paul Ibe, on Thursday, Atiku commiserated with the Nigerian author and her husband over the loss of their child.
The former Vice President asked God to grant them strength, peace, and solace over the painful loss.
The statement read, “My heart goes out to Chimamanda Adichie, @ChimamandaReal, and her husband, Dr Ivara Esege, on the loss of their son. There can be no loss like the loss of a child.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the Esage and Adichie families and all of their friends. May God grant them strength, peace, and solace as they mourn this painful loss.”
