Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), has addressed the controversy surrounding a viral video that shows him serving food at a charity event in Imo State.
The video sparked political commentary and debate on social media, prompting Obi to release a statement on Sunday via his official X account.
In the statement, the former Anambra State governor clarified that the event in question, called the Jubilee of Hope, was held the previous week in Imo State. According to Obi, the gathering was a charitable initiative aimed at encouraging those in privileged positions to serve and uplift the less fortunate in society.
“The Jubilee of Hope was not about me,” Obi stated. “Its purpose is straightforward: to remind us all that true leadership is service, and that those who have must never forget those who do not.”
Obi criticized the politicization of the event, noting that his simple act of serving food to attendees should not have become a controversial issue. “It’s sounding strange that I was seen serving food to people. But this is what happens in a society where leadership has lost its service component,” he said.
He stressed that he did not film or authorize the posting of the video, which he said was being manipulated by political opponents and paid commentators. “Some are trying to twist something sincere into something political,” he added.
Obi also noted that he was not the only dignitary who participated in the food service. Among others, he mentioned the involvement of respected figures such as Cardinal John Onaiyekan, Senator Osita Izunaso, and Dr. A.B.C. Orjiako, former Chairman of Seplat Plc all of whom, he said, quietly served food in solidarity with the poor and vulnerable.
Reflecting on his lifestyle, Obi emphasized that humility is not a campaign tactic for him, but a way of life. “I live simply. I clean, I sweep, I cook. I have no house help. When guests visit, I serve them myself,” he said. “Even as Governor, I served others at events. So I’m genuinely surprised this act has become a topic.”
He explained that many of the poor attendees at the event specifically asked him to serve them personally, and he chose to stay longer to honor their request. “There was nothing special about it,” he said. “Service is not special. It is expected.”
Obi concluded by stressing the importance of compassion-driven leadership and urged both public office holders and citizens to adopt a culture of service. “We cannot talk about building a New Nigeria while ignoring the hungry, the forgotten, and the poor,” he said. “Events like this must go beyond symbolism they must become a norm.”
