Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has responded to the viral video showing him serving food at a recent event in Owerri, describing the act as a natural expression of leadership through service rather than a political stunt.
In a Sunday post on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, the ex-Anambra governor expressed surprise at the public debate generated by the footage from the “Jubilee of Hope” event in Imo State. “As Governor, I always served others at events. Even now, I have no house help—when guests visit, I serve them myself,” Obi wrote. “I sweep, I clean, because humility isn’t a campaign strategy; it’s my way of life.”
The video had drawn mixed reactions, with critics accusing the 63-year-old politician of staging the gesture for political capital. However, Obi clarified that the event was privately organized and that he neither invited media coverage nor personally shared the visuals. “Third parties unrelated to my team circulated the content, prompting manufactured controversies,” he stated.
The former presidential candidate emphasized that several other dignitaries, including Cardinal John Onaiyekan, Senator Osita Izunaso, and ex-Seplat chairman Dr. A.B.C. Orjiako, similarly served attendees without fanfare. “It wasn’t about cameras but conscience,” Obi noted, revealing that he extended his service after underprivileged guests specifically requested he personally serve them.
Obi framed the incident as symptomatic of Nigeria’s leadership deficit, arguing that servant leadership should become cultural rather than exceptional. “We can’t build a New Nigeria while neglecting the hungry and poor. Service isn’t special—it’s obligatory for all, from public officials to business leaders and citizens,” he concluded.
The statement comes as Obi continues to maintain visible public engagement months after the 2023 elections, with supporters hailing his consistency and detractors questioning his motives. Political analysts suggest such episodes reinforce his brand of accessible leadership amid Nigeria’s elite-dominated political culture.
