In a recent event in Imo State that has prompted extensive discussion across social media platforms, Peter Obi, former Labour Party presidential candidate and ex-governor of Anambra State, was seen personally distributing meals to participants. The gesture, documented in images and videos that rapidly went viral, has garnered different reactions—some welcoming it as a real demonstration of humility, others doubting the intent behind it, saying it was a premeditated political maneuver.
On Sunday, July 13, 2025, Peter Obi broke his silence on the topic, stating the genuine motivation for his acts and addressing the surrounding conjecture. In a message issued on his verified X (previously Twitter) page, Obi highlighted that the event was not about attention or political grandstanding but about service and compassion.
Obi stated that the occasion, dubbed the “Jubilee of Hope,” was a private charity event hosted in Imo State, aiming to bring together elements of society to benefit the less fortunate. The event’s fundamental message, Obi said, was to remind everyone that “true leadership is service, and that those who have must never forget those who do not.” He defined the project as one where “the rich in society come down from their high places” to help the needy, representing humility and togetherness.
Contrary to the story presented by some opponents, Obi maintained he never promoted his presence nor welcomed media attention. The photographs and videos that spread were shared by third parties outside his team, and the ensuing political interpretations were efforts by “usual naysayers and paid agents” to turn a real deed into a political ploy.
A Personal Gesture Rooted in Humility
Peter Obi’s testimony also indicated that several of the impoverished guests individually asked that he serve them, which he did joyfully, remaining longer at the event to satisfy these demands. He noted that he was not alone in serving; other notable Nigerians, like Cardinal Onaiyekan, Senator Osita Izunaso, and Dr. A.B.C. Orjiako, also contributed quietly and seriously.
Obi expressed amazement that such a basic gesture of service had become an issue of public discussion. He related this to the greater problem of leadership in Nigeria, where the “service component” has essentially been lost. For Obi, humility is not a campaign technique but a way of life. He added that even in his private life, he does not have home assistance and serves visitors personally, living simply by sweeping, cleaning, and participating in routine duties.
The viral video shows Obi dressed in modest native attire, carrying trays heaped with plates of jollof rice, fried rice, and protein, serving meals to elderly ladies and other participants during a well-attended indoor celebration. Social media users were split in their replies.
Supporters hailed Obi’s gesture as honest and consistent with his long-standing reputation as a grounded, accessible leader. One social media user said, “Peter Obi is the most relatable politician of our time. No airs, no noise, just service.” Others hailed the gesture as a pleasant diversion from the normal political theatrics, appreciating his closeness to regular Nigerians.
However, some were quick to question the timing and intention, alleging that the exhibition was a desperate effort to recover political relevance or garner favor ahead of future elections. Some disputed if similar deeds would occur outside of an election period, considering it a PR trick rather than true humility.
Obi’s Response to Political Speculation
Addressing these allegations, Obi reaffirmed that the event was not political and that the service was motivated by conscience, not cameras. He challenged Nigerians to go beyond symbolic gestures and strive towards making acts of compassion and service a cultural norm.
“We cannot speak of building a New Nigeria while ignoring the hungry, the forgotten, and the poor,” Obi added. “Events like this must not remain symbolic; they must become cultural. Public office holders, corporate leaders, and regular residents must collaborate in boosting others”.
Peter Obi’s public demeanor has always been linked with simplicity and accessibility. Throughout his political career, he has been recognized for his frugal lifestyle, traveling economy class, and connecting directly with voters without the normal trappings of authority. His acts during the Jubilee of Hope event support this picture of a leader who stresses service and humility above pomp and ostentation.
This event also illustrates a bigger issue about leadership in Nigeria, where many individuals feel detached from their leaders. Obi’s act serves as a reminder that leadership includes empathy and direct connection with the people, particularly those disenfranchised or in need.
The viral film and the following discussion illustrate the issues created by the convergence of politics, media, and public image in Nigeria. In an age when social media can magnify and distort events swiftly, genuine acts of compassion risk being misread or politicized.
Moreover, the story highlights how AI-manipulated material and selective media distribution may feed disinformation and exacerbate social tensions. Obi’s explanation helps offset these inclinations by offering context and reinforcing the genuineness of his acts.
Peter Obi’s choice to serve meals at the Jubilee of Hope event in Imo State was an intentional gesture of humility and service, anchored in his conviction that genuine leadership is about elevating the least fortunate. Despite the political commotion and mistrust, Obi’s reaction has highlighted that this was not a campaign ploy but a reflection of his character and principles.
In a political scene typically dominated by grandstanding and spectacle, Obi’s gesture stands out as a call to return to the principles of leadership—service, humility, and compassion. As Nigeria continues to battle with social and political difficulties, such instances serve as essential reminders of the sort of leadership that may inspire meaningful change.
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