Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has responded to the wave of online reactions sparked by a viral photo showing him serving food at a charity event in Imo State. The image, which trended widely on July 13, drew both praise and criticism, with many questioning whether it was a publicity stunt. Obi, however, insists the act was sincere, not strategic.
The event, known as the “Jubilee of Hope,” brought together prominent figures including Cardinal Onaiyekan, Senator Osita Izunaso, and former Seplat chairman Dr. A.B.C. Orjiako, all of whom joined in serving the less privileged. Obi said the essence of the gathering was for the rich and influential to step down from privilege and engage in direct service to the poor — not for photo ops, but as a reflection of the kind of Nigeria that must be built.
Obi explained that many attendees, particularly among the poor, personally requested that he serve them food. He obliged, saying it would have been “inhuman” to ignore their wishes. He added that the act was consistent with his personal values and his lifestyle, both during and after public office. “I don’t have house help. I serve my guests myself. This is not a campaign strategy — it’s how I live,” he wrote on his official X account.
He also criticized the culture of distorting genuine acts of humility into political narratives. “I didn’t post the pictures, and I didn’t invite the media. But third parties shared them, and unfortunately, the usual agents of cynicism went to work,” Obi noted. “We’ve so normalized performative leadership that true service now looks like theatre.”
The former Anambra governor emphasized that true leadership is rooted in empathy, simplicity, and service. He called on Nigerians in power — politicians, business leaders, civil servants — to adopt a lifestyle of humility and practical service, noting that building a New Nigeria starts with dignity for the poor and action from the top.
He urged the public to make service a culture, not a spectacle. “Let this not end with one event. Let it become a movement — where hope is not seasonal and dignity is not negotiable.” Obi’s remarks reignited conversations around what it truly means to lead and whether simplicity can still find a place in Nigerian leadership.
The Jubilee of Hope, which took place in Imo on Saturday, July 13, 2025, has now become symbolic of a broader national debate: is leadership about living large, or giving back? As critics and supporters continue to weigh in, one thing is clear — Peter Obi’s actions have once again sparked a conversation Nigeria cannot afford to ignore.
