According to Princess Ada Ogbu, the NDC senatorial candidate for Enugu East, former Anambra State governor Peter Obi has demonstrated strong compassion and concern for ordinary people through his personal conduct.
Ogbu made the remarks during an interview from 20:00 with Symfoni TV, where she recalled an incident involving Obi at an event held at Nike Lake Hotel in December 2025. According to her, the occasion was organised around the period when she and others migrated into the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Ogbu said Obi attended the gathering at the hotel and was leaving the venue when he noticed a female security worker, described as a bouncer, crying. She explained that the woman had reportedly become upset after an interaction with some of the male bouncers, who she believed had said something hurtful to her.
Rather than simply walking past the distressed woman, Ogbu said Obi stopped to find out what had happened. She claimed that he approached the woman, held her and personally asked why she was crying.
For Ogbu, the incident was significant because it showed what she considers to be Obi’s genuine concern for people regardless of their social status or position. She argued that the former governor’s response demonstrated empathy and an ability to pay attention to the difficulties faced by ordinary Nigerians.
She said the moment reinforced her view that Obi’s character extends beyond political speeches and public appearances, suggesting that his compassion is also evident in his interactions with people in everyday situations.
Recalling the incident, Ogbu said: “The day we migrated into ADC on December 31 we held the event at Nike Lake hotel. As Obi was coming out of the hotel he saw a female bouncer crying because I think the other male bouncers had said something bad to her. He stopped, held her and asked her ‘Why are you crying’. He cares, the empathy coming out front Peter Obi is apparent, everybody sees it”
Ogbu’s account presents the encounter as an example of the qualities she believes distinguish Obi’s approach to leadership and public service. Her comments also reflect the wider political discussions surrounding the former presidential candidate, particularly debates about leadership, empathy and the relationship between political figures and ordinary citizens.
The incident, as described by Ogbu, has therefore become part of her broader argument that Obi’s concern for people is demonstrated not only through his political positions but also through seemingly small personal interactions.