Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has responded to public reactions surrounding a viral video of him serving food at an event, asserting that the act reflects humility and a commitment to service, not a political strategy.
Obi took to his X handle early Sunday, saying he was surprised the simple gesture of him serving meals had drawn such wide attention. He emphasized that humility is a part of his lifestyle, not a campaign tactic.
“I am genuinely surprised that this simple act has become a topic of discussion. As Governor, I always served others whenever we had events,” he wrote. “Even now, in private life, I do not have a house help. When guests visit my home, I serve them myself. I live simply, I sweep, I clean, because for me, humility is not a campaign strategy; it is a way of life.”
The video, recorded at the Jubilee of Hope event in Owerri, Imo State, went viral last week and stirred mixed reactions, with critics accusing the former Anambra State governor of trying to score political points.
Obi, however, insisted the event was not orchestrated for media optics and that he neither posted nor invited media coverage. He clarified that the gathering was a private service-oriented occasion, not a political rally.
“Let me be clear, that event was not about me… I did not post about it, nor did I invite media coverage. Unfortunately, some third parties… shared photos and videos,” he noted. “As expected, the usual naysayers and paid agents went to work trying to twist something sincere into something political.”
He explained that many prominent guests at the event also participated in serving food — including Cardinal Onaiyekan, Senator Osita Izunaso, and Dr. A.B.C. Orjiako — and did so without media fanfare.
“It wasn’t about the cameras; it was about conscience,” Obi stressed. “At the Jubilee of Hope, I stayed longer because many of the poor attendees requested that I serve them personally. I could not ignore them.”
He urged Nigerians, especially leaders, to embrace service as a cultural norm and not merely as symbolic gestures.
“We cannot speak of building a New Nigeria while ignoring the hungry, the forgotten, and the poor,” Obi added.
What you should know
Peter Obi’s public defense of a viral video where he served food at a charitable event reaffirms his philosophy of humility and people-centered leadership. He insists his actions were personal and sincere, not political, emphasizing that true leadership must be rooted in service.
