- Obi said the Jubilee of Hope aimed to get the wealthy to serve the poor as a moral gesture.
- He mentioned other dignitaries also served food quietly, including Onaiyekan, Izunaso, and Seplat’s former chairman, Orjiako.
Peter Obi, former Anambra governor and presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), on Sunday said his decision to serve food at a private event was motivated by his values, not politics.
The former LP presidential candidate came under criticism over the weekend after videos and photos of him dishing food at a gathering in Imo surfaced online.
Some social media users accused him of performing an act of humility to score political points, describing it as “deceptive.”
Reacting in a post via his X page, Obi said the backlash was expected, especially from those who find service in leadership strange.
“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,” he wrote.
“It’s sounding strange that I was seen serving food to people. 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 said the event, which was held in Imo state, was strictly a private gathering and not organised for media attention.
Obi noted that he did not share any content from the event and had no part in the circulation of the images online.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
He said the purpose of the event was to create space for people of means to step away from privilege, even briefly, and serve those who are less fortunate.
“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,” he said.
“A society anchored on empathy, equity, and responsibility.
“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.”
Obi added that he was surprised the gesture sparked criticism, saying simple acts of service have always been part of his lifestyle, both in and out of office.
“As governor, I always served others whenever we had events. Even now, in private life, I do not have a house help,” he said.
“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.”
The ex-presidential candidate noted any conversation around rebuilding Nigeria must include a commitment to uplift the poor and marginalised.
“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,” he added.
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