Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 Nigerian general election, was spotted today in Umuchima Town, Imo State, helping to serve food at a local community event.
The former Anambra State governor, known for his grassroots approach, joined residents in distributing meals, an act that resonated deeply with attendees and sparked widespread praise on social media.The event, partly inspired by the Catholic Church’s call for acts of charity in 2025, saw Obi working alongside Father Maurice Emelu, PhD, to provide assistance to those in need.
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Eyewitnesses described the scene as uplifting, with Obi engaging warmly with locals, dishing out meals, and sharing moments of laughter and conversation. “Seeing His Excellency Peter Obi here, serving food with us, shows he’s a true servant leader,” said Chika Okeke, a resident of Umuchima. “He didn’t just show up for pictures; he was here for the people.”
Obi’s appearance in Umuchima comes amid his continued political activities as a prominent opposition figure. Having secured third place in the 2023 presidential election with 6.1 million votes, Obi has remained a vocal critic of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, particularly on issues of economic hardship and governance. His strong showing in the 2023 polls, where he defeated Tinubu in key areas like Lagos and Imo State, cemented his influence, particularly among young Nigerians and his “Obidient” supporters.
In a significant political move, Obi recently aligned with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition, a strategic alliance aimed at unseating President Tinubu in the 2027 general election.
The coalition, which includes heavyweights like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Senate President David Mark, and former governors Nasir El-Rufai and Rotimi Amaechi, was unveiled on July 2, 2025, in Abuja. The ADC has been adopted as the coalition’s platform to consolidate opposition votes, which were split in 2023 between Obi (25%) and Abubakar (29%), allowing Tinubu to win with 37% of the vote.
Speaking on his decision to join the ADC coalition, Obi emphasized the need for unity to address Nigeria’s challenges. “No one group can change Nigeria alone. To dismantle the structures that keep our people in poverty and insecurity, we must build bridges, not walls,” he posted on X, underscoring his commitment to a “competent, capable, and compassionate” leadership.
Despite his involvement with the ADC, Obi has clarified that he remains a member of the Labour Party, dismissing claims of anti-party activity. “We are in 2025, not 2027. I remain in the Labour Party, but we’ve agreed to work as a coalition for 2027,” he said during a recent interview on Channels Television.
However, Obi’s coalition ties have stirred controversy within the Labour Party. On July 3, 2025, the party issued a 48-hour ultimatum for him to resign, citing his dual allegiance as unconstitutional.
Labour Party chieftain Abayomi Arabambi stated, “It is unconstitutional to belong to two political groups at once. We are convening a National Executive Council meeting where he will be expelled.” Obi, undeterred, maintains that his focus is on Nigeria’s progress, not internal party disputes.
The ADC coalition, while gaining momentum, faces challenges. Critics, including the APC and some within the ADC’s old guard, have downplayed its potential.
Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation, alleged that the coalition is merely exploiting Obi’s popularity to bolster its chances, while Dumebi Kachikwu, the ADC’s 2023 presidential candidate, accused the coalition of “hijacking” the party. Despite these tensions, analysts like Ben Kenneth argue that the combined votes of Obi and Abubakar from 2023 could pose a formidable challenge to Tinubu in 2027 if the coalition remains united.
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