Serving food at event conscience-driven, not show-off, says Peter Obi

By Kunle Sanni –

Former presidential candidate and Labour Party leader, Peter Obi, has addressed public reactions to viral images showing him serving food at a charity event in Imo State over the weekend.

Obi clarified that the gesture — which some critics labeled as political theatre — was a sincere act of service rooted in personal conviction, not a publicity stunt.

“It’s sounding strange that I was seen serving food to people,” Obi said in a detailed statement shared on Monday. “Let me be clear, that event was not about me. It was called the Jubilee of Hope, and its purpose is to remind us all that true leadership is service.”

The event, which took place without Obi’s team inviting media coverage, was later thrust into public attention after third-party photos and videos surfaced online.

Obi stated that many prominent Nigerians, including Cardinal Onaiyekan, Senator Osita Izunaso, and Dr. A.B.C. Orjiako, also served food at the event, emphasizing that the aim was to model humility and solidarity with the less privileged.

Obi, who has long branded himself as a proponent of modest living and public accountability, shared that he doesn’t employ domestic staff in his personal life and still serves his guests himself — just as he did while serving as governor.

“Service is not special, it is expected,” he added, stressing that the event’s deeper message was about the kind of empathetic, equity-driven society Nigeria must strive to build.

Obi’s response comes amid criticism from some political opponents and commentators who viewed his actions as performative.