‘Humility not campaign strategy’: Peter Obi speaks on video of him serving food

The Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has spoken about the viral video of him serving food at an event,

The video of Obi serving food at a recent event in Imo State went viral with several reactions to the former governor’s action.

Speaking via a statement shared on X on Sunday, July 13, 2025, Obi described his action as an act of humility and not a campaign strategy to win the heart of many Nigerians.

The former governor of Anambra State noted that his activity serving food at a private charity event was twisted by some paid agents into something political.

Obi stressed that that event was not about him, saying 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 said: “When I attended the Jubilee of Hope in Imo State, it was a private service event. I did not post about it, nor did I invite media coverage. 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.

“But let me restate the heart of the matter, the Jubilee of Hope is designed for the rich to come down from their high places, even if just for a moment, and serve the poor, not as a show, but as a symbol of the society we must build. A society anchored on empathy, equity, and responsibility.

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“I was not the only one who served that day. Many well-meaning and distinguished Nigerians also participated, people like Cardinal Onaiyekan, Senator Osita Izunaso, former Chairman of Seplat Plc, Dr. A.B.C. Orjiako, and many others, quietly and sincerely. It wasn’t about the cameras; it was about conscience.

“I am genuinely surprised that this simple act has become a topic of discussion. 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.

“At the Jubilee of Hope, I stayed longer because many of the poor attendees requested that I serve them personally. 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.

“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.”

The Star