Peter Obi Clarifies Viral Food-Serving Video, Denies Political Motive

The former Governor of Anambra State and 2023 Labour Party  presidential candidate  Peter Obi has addressed the controversy surrounding a viral video showing him serving food at an event, clarifying that his actions were motivated by a deep belief in servant leadership, not political optics.

The video, which circulated widely on social media platforms, sparked debates and criticism from some Nigerians who accused Obi of using the act as a political strategy to win public sympathy. However, Obi took to his official X (formerly Twitter) account to set the record straight.

“My weekend activity of serving food at a special event has been generating interest, as expectedly, because leaders in our society have removed the service component in leadership. It's sounding strange that I was seen serving food to people,” Obi wrote.

Obi explained that the event in question was the Jubilee of Hope, held in Imo State, which he described as a private service initiative aimed at highlighting the importance of empathy and service in society.

“Let me be clear, that event was not about me. 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,” he stated.

Obi emphasized that he neither publicized his participation nor invited media coverage. According to him, photos and videos shared online came from third parties outside his team.

“Unfortunately, some third parties, completely outside of my team, shared photos and videos. As expected, the usual naysayers and paid agents went to work trying to twist something sincere into something political,” Obi lamented.

Highlighting the spirit of the Jubilee of Hope, Obi described it as an event designed for the affluent to come down from “their high places” and serve the less privileged—not as a public spectacle but as a symbol of the kind of equitable society Nigeria should aspire to build.

He also noted he was not alone in serving meals at the event. Other prominent Nigerians, including Cardinal Onaiyekan, Senator Osita Izunaso, and former Seplat Plc Chairman Dr. A.B.C. Orjiako, also participated quietly and without seeking publicity.

“It wasn’t about the cameras; it was about conscience,” Obi affirmed.

Drawing from his personal life, Obi shared that simplicity and service have always been part of his lifestyle, both during his tenure as governor and in his private life.

“As Governor, I always served others whenever we had events. Even now, in private life, I do not have a house help. When guests visit my home, I serve them myself. I live simply, I sweep, I clean, because for me, humility is not a campaign strategy; it is a way of life,” he explained.

Obi revealed he stayed longer at the Jubilee of Hope event because many underprivileged attendees personally requested that he serve them.

“I could not ignore them. That was the only reason. Otherwise, there was nothing special about what I did. Service is not special; it is expected,” he wrote.

He concluded his post by calling for a cultural shift toward empathy and responsibility among leaders and citizens alike.

“We cannot speak of building a New Nigeria while ignoring the hungry, the forgotten, and the poor. Events like this must not remain symbolic, they must become cultural. Public office holders, business leaders, and everyday citizens must unite in lifting others. Let us work together to build a country where hope is not seasonal, and dignity is not a privilege, but a right.”