Peter Obi, a former Anambra governor and Labour Party chieftain, said on Sunday that he does house chores because he does not have house help.

“As governor, I always served others whenever we had events. Even now, in private life, I do not have a househelp,” said Mr Obi. 

“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,” Mr Obi said in a statement on Sunday.

Mr Obi said this in the statement, days after a viral video of him serving food at an event. The politician stressed that serving food at the event seemed unusual, but it portrayed that real leadership lies in service.

He said, “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. 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.”

The former Anambra governor, a perceived modest and frugal politician, explained that the event was organised for the rich and prominent in society to serve the poor.

He added, “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.”

“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,” Mr Obi said.

Mr Obi said he attended the event to serve, not for a publicity stunt, but some people in the crowd took photos and videos of him serving food and circulated them.

“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,” Mr Obi said.