Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has defended his recent act of serving food at a charity event in Imo State, stressing that it was not a political stunt but a demonstration of genuine leadership through service.
The event, titled “Jubilee of Hope,” held last week, drew attention on social media after photos and videos emerged showing Obi personally distributing meals to underprivileged individuals. While some Nigerians praised the gesture as a mark of humility, critics dismissed it as a calculated political move.
Reacting via a statement on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle on Sunday, Obi clarified that the intention behind his participation was purely humanitarian.
He emphasized that leadership should be rooted in empathy and responsibility, not publicity.
“Let me be clear, that event was not about me,” Obi said. “It was called the Jubilee of Hope, and 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 noted that he did not invite the press nor seek media attention for the occasion. He explained that photos and videos from the event were shared independently by attendees and not orchestrated by him or his team.
“As expected, the usual naysayers and paid agents went to work trying to twist something sincere into something political,” he remarked.
The former Anambra State governor highlighted that he was not the only notable figure who served food at the event.
He named others who also participated, including Cardinal John Onaiyekan, Senator Osita Izunaso, and former Seplat Chairman, Dr. A.B.C. Orjiako.
“Many well-meaning and distinguished Nigerians also participated. The act of service was not meant to be symbolic — it was meant to reflect the kind of society we should be building,” he added.
Obi also used the opportunity to reiterate his personal values, stating that humility and simplicity are core to his daily life.
“I do not have a house help. When guests visit my home, I serve them myself. I live simply, I sweep, I clean. Humility is not a campaign strategy for me; it is a way of life,” he said.
Explaining why he stayed longer at the event, Obi said it was because several people requested that he serve them personally, and he could not turn them down.
“There was nothing extraordinary about what I did. Service is not special — it is expected,” he stated.
He concluded by calling for a shift in cultural values among Nigeria’s elite and political class, urging more acts of compassion and solidarity with the less privileged.
“We cannot build a New Nigeria while ignoring the hungry, the forgotten, and the poor,” Obi said. “Events like this should not be mere symbolism; they must become our culture. Let’s build a country where dignity is a right, not a privilege.”
