Claim: Comedian Oluwaseyitan ‘Seyi Law’ Aletile, Ruth and others on Thursday posted on their X pages a video and picture of the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi serving food at an event.
After joining the opposition coalition that adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its political platform for the 2027 general elections, Obi again drew public attention, similar to the spotlight he attracted during his 2023 presidential bid.
In early July, the former Anambra State governor explained that he aligned with the coalition to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election and address Nigeria’s issues of poverty and insecurity.
He stated that the alliance aims to provide Nigerians with leadership that is not only competent and capable but also driven by compassion.
Meanwhile, this report seeks to verify recent circulating images of Obi, showing he was carrying a food tray and attending to guests at a public event.
Full Text
Mr Obi was spotted attending to a crowd with a meal tray at a public function a few days after aligning with notable politicians, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-governors Rauf Aregbesola, Rotimi Amaechi, and Nasir El-Rufai, in the formation of the ADC.
The prominent politician has also been making news headlines and engaging with the public online, portraying himself as a modest and compassionate leader committed to the welfare of ordinary Nigerians.
The widely circulated photos sparked widespread interest, drawing reactions from several notable figures, including Reno Omokri, a former aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan and a staunch supporter of President Tinubu—who has consistently criticised ADC members, as well as activist Martin ‘VDM’ Otse.
Mr Omokri on his X page stated that “Honestly, what is the difference between Peter Obi and White Money? Peter Obi is better suited for #BBNaija than for Aso Rock. Entertainment is his area, not governance.”
As of when this report was published, the post has attracted 117, 000 views, 1,000 likes, 200 reposts, and 29 bookmarks. It also has 420 comments.
Also, VDM, on his X stated that “his excellency, Peter Obi, you don’t have to do this to win the hearts of the people. Nigerians love you and they believe you can do the job. Please, sir, with due respect, stop this show of shame and childishness. Thank you, sir❤️”
As of today, VDM’s post has attracted over 192,000 views, 1,400 likes, 288 retweets, 990 comments, and 72 bookmarks.
A screenshot of Obi’s image serving food with VDM’s tweet.
As the images and videos continued to circulate online, numerous followers and political enthusiasts took to social media to share their views on the incident.
While some described it as a display of humility and goodwill, others dismissed it as a political ploy to win votes—or even a sign of naivety.
A user commented that, “This man has a humble personality regardless of his political ambitions.”
Another user said, “Absolutely! Peter Obi’s consistent dedication to service speaks volumes about his true character. Long before the spotlight of national politics, he was already setting a remarkable example as Governor, Service is not just what he does; it’s who he is. Nigeria needs more leaders with such a heart for the people.
A user tweeted, “While the nation bleeds, he begs for pity, online president.”
For another, he said, “We are all aware that it is due to political motives, and it was unnecessary to be honest.”
Another commentator maintained that “He was participating in the Jubilee of Hope, a special day created to reverse roles, where the rich serve the poor.”
Given the public and political nature of the issue, as well as the mixed reactions from fans and followers, The New Daily Prime fact-checked the claim using Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) tools.
Verification
In the early hours of Thursday, July 10, 2025, several images and videos of Mr Obi surfaced online, showing him serving food at a birthday celebration.
The event was reportedly the birthday of a Catholic priest, Father Morris.
According to sources, the celebration was part of a special occasion known as the ‘Jubilee of Hope’, a symbolic event designed to reverse traditional roles, where the wealthy serve the less privileged and all guests dine together as equals.
Also present at the event are Senator Osita Izunaso, who is representing Imo West in the Senate, along with other dignitaries, all seen distributing food and drinks.
This newspaper used ‘reverse image search’, a fact-checking tool used to determine whether an image has appeared online previously— revealed no prior results, indicating that the images are recent uploads.
Another fact-checking tool reveals that the images and videos surfaced on the internet only on Thursday.
For Bing, there were no similar search results.
No image had surfaced online, including on Yandex, previously.
This newspaper also put the image through another fact-checking tool for detection, Hive Moderation, but it showed 0.09% AI detection.
Hive Moderation result means the image is AI-free.
Is switching role/script flip a doctrine of the catholic?
This newspaper found out that Mr Obi is a devout Catholic and also holds the honour of being a Papal Knight of the Catholic Church.
READ ALSO: World Population Day: Obi urges investment in youth, decries lack of census data
According to report, he was invested as a Papal Knight of the Order of St Sylvester on 31st July 2013, making him one of a select few to receive such recognition from the Pope, and among the first to be so honoured by Pope Francis.
According to St Coleman Catholic Church, the Catholic Church’s doctrine stresses a ‘preferential option for the poor,’ which signifies that whilst everyone is called to love and serve their neighbour, the Church holds a particular concern for the welfare of the impoverished and vulnerable.
This, however, is not a literal ‘flipping of the script’ or a compulsory dining arrangement, but rather an appeal to the wealthy to recognise Christ in the poor and to share their resources and time to ensure the poor’s dignity and well-being.
About the Jubilee of Hope of the Catholic
The 2025 Jubilee, proclaimed by Pope Francis, is themed ‘Pilgrims of Hope.’
It’s a special year for the Catholic Church, encouraging believers to rediscover and share hope, particularly in a world grappling with challenges such as conflict, poverty, and the pandemic.
The Jubilee invites Catholics to embark on a spiritual journey, strengthening their faith and acting as beacons of hope for others.
Research indicates that the biblical jubilee centred on sharing and solidarity. The biblical jubilee was considered a ‘jubilee of mercy’ because it involved a genuine pursuit of the well-being of one’s needy brothers and sisters.
Meanwhile, the Jubilee of Hope, proclaimed by Pope Francis for 2025, encompasses both sharing and serving, with a significant emphasis on disseminating the message of hope and serving others through acts of charity and reconciliation.
Verdict:
True! Several fact-checking tools confirm the authenticity of the circulating image and video depicting Peter Obi serving food, with no prior existence of these visuals found elsewhere.
Expert speaks
Speaking in an interview with this newspaper, Rev Father Paul Akinyode said it is truly biblical, and if it is biblical, the Catholic Church upholds such a practice.
“It’s not a matter of switching roles or a particular teaching or doctrine; I think he is following the example of our Lord Jesus Christ, who, though the teacher and master, still washed the feet of the Apostles (John 13:1-17). It’s a call to service.”
Mr Akinyode explained that what Peter Obi did was paradoxical and against popular opinion, but it is what ought to be.
“It’s quite complex because of the deception by politicians in Nigeria. We see many of them when elections are approaching; they eat corn on the streets, drink sachet water with the masses, and use these as a form of alignment with the poor, which does not last and does not reflect their true selves. When they achieve what they wished, they move about with numerous police and military escorts.”
He concluded that beyond electoral deception, our nation will not progress until Nigerian leaders learn to genuinely serve the populace, not merely at parties or celebratory events.
“While I believe Peter Obi’s action was largely symbolic, it is in genuinely serving the masses, rather than simply gratifying their desires, that real change will occur”, he said.
Another expert, John Ayodele Oyewole, a Catholic priest from the Catholics Diocese at Ikare, Ondo State, explained that what Obi did was a gesture of humility and willingness to serve the people, which is not different from what other politicians have been doing in the western world.
“In my opinion, I don’t see any religious belief in this. Jesus also washed the feet of his disciples as a sign of humility, but this is stuff other politicians do. Identifying yourself to a priest doesn’t mean.”
These issues cut across religion and tribal sentiments and Obi is forcing humility on himself and probably deceiving us as well.
READ ALSO: 2027: Peter Obi submits one-term presidency proposal to opposition coalition
He concluded that Nigerian politicians are the same and they are there to deceive as the incumbent ones are always worse than the past ones.
Conclusion: Multiple analyses and commentators indicate that Mr Obi continues to observe his religious faith.
While his specific, underlying political agenda may remain unclear, the photographic evidence depicting him serving at a public gathering is indeed authentic.
