Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, has responded to public debate sparked by his appearance at a charity event in Imo State, where he was seen personally serving food to the underprivileged.
The event, “Jubilee of Hope,” held last week, attracted widespread attention after videos and photos of Obi distributing meals went viral on social media. While many applauded the act as a symbol of humility and service, others dismissed it as a political performance.
In a statement shared Sunday on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Obi clarified that the event was neither political nor staged for attention.
“Let me be clear that event was not about me,” he wrote. “It was about reminding us that true leadership means service. Those who have must never forget those who don’t.”
Obi explained that the gathering was a private initiative with no media invited. Any images or videos that circulated online, he said, were shared by independent attendees.
“As expected, the usual naysayers and paid agents tried to twist something sincere into something political,” he added.
He emphasized that Jubilee of Hope was created to encourage empathy and shared responsibility, and that he was not the only one serving food.
“Others who joined in serving included Cardinal John Onaiyekan, Senator Osita Izunaso, and Dr. A.B.C. Orjiako, former Chairman of Seplat,” he noted.
Obi also pushed back against claims that his actions were calculated for optics, stating that humility is a lifestyle, not a campaign tactic.
“I don’t have house help. When people visit my home, I serve them myself. I sweep, I clean that’s just who I am.”
He further explained his extended stay at the event “people asked me to serve them directly. I couldn’t ignore that. That was the only reason I stayed longer.”
In his closing remarks, Obi called on Nigeria’s political and business leaders to adopt a mindset of service, not symbolism.
“We can’t build a new Nigeria while ignoring the poor and the forgotten. Events like this shouldn’t be symbolic they must become our culture.
Let’s build a country where hope isn’t seasonal, and dignity isn’t a privilege but a right. A new Nigeria is possible.”
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