An X user identified as Nwoke Agulu (@OkoyeCardinal) recently shared a remarkable account of former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi’s encounter with angry truck drivers in Kogi State.
The incident unfolded during Obi’s journey from Anambra to Kogi, when he and his team reached Unobe, a town in Olamaboro Local Government Area, only to be met with a half-kilometre-long line of stationary vehicles.
Upon investigation, they discovered that the police had shot the tyre of a trailer driver, which led to other trailer drivers at the scene blocking the road in protest. In true Obi fashion, the former presidential candidate stepped out of his car and made his way towards the heart of the brewing unrest.
As Obi approached the frustrated crowd, the tense atmosphere among commuters quickly shifted. People from different ethnic backgrounds, including Igbos, Yorubas, and Hausas, began chanting, “Our President!” The turning point came when Obi reached the Hausa driver at the center of the protest, who was visibly upset over his damaged tyre. However, the man’s mood lightened dramatically upon seeing Obi, and instead of continuing his complaints, he eagerly began taking selfies with the former Anambra governor.
Soon, other drivers and bystanders followed suit, turning the protest into a spontaneous photo session with Obi. In an act of humility and respect, the driver, speaking in Hausa, reportedly said, “Who am I for Obi to beg me?” Without Obi even asking, he cleared the road, allowing traffic to resume.
In a photo attached to the post, the driver in a brown caftan can be seen smiling while taking a selfie with Obi, as other commuters joined in, expressing their joy over the resolution of the situation.
Reactions from the crowd were overwhelmingly positive, with many praising Obi’s approachable nature and leadership qualities. Some of the comments included, “We are happy for Peter Obi, he solved our problem,” and, “He is the man for the people.”
This incident further cements Peter Obi’s reputation as a leader who resonates with ordinary Nigerians, handling tense situations with grace and humility.