Portable meets Peter Obi on a flight, says he got only a handshake while Obi flew economy and he sat in first class.
The story sparked reactions online, with many praising Obi’s humility and mocking Portable’s expectations for cash.
Controversial Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has shared his unexpected experience meeting Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, during a recent flight. In a video that has since gone viral, he expressed disappointment over what he received from the respected businessman and politician during their brief encounter.
According to Portable, the two met onboard a flight where he was seated in the first-class cabin while Peter Obi, surprisingly, was in economy. He approached Obi during the flight to greet him and was given nothing more than a handshake, a gesture that Portable seemed to consider underwhelming, especially coming from a man of Obi’s financial stature.
Recalling the moment, Portable said, “The day I saw Peter Obi, I won’t lie, na only handshake I collect. I was flying first class, and Peter Obi was in economy. I greeted him, and all he gave me was a handshake. If it were Tinubu, I for don collect bundle.”
The singer’s comment triggered a flurry of mixed reactions online. While some dismissed his comments as classic Portable and his usual unfiltered style, others viewed the encounter as a strong example of Peter Obi’s humble lifestyle and values-driven approach to leadership.
@ugo_shib commented, “Big message was passed here, but what do I know.”
@kcemenikex remarked, “When Peter Obi finally becomes president, people like this miscreant won’t even afford first class travel anymore.”
@Loadedbrodah teased, “🤣🤣🤣 You were the one in first class, why didn’t you dash him money?”
@franchid241016 said, “He just confirmed everything Peter Obi has been saying. My support for Obi just tripled. Thank you, Portable.”
@Awoken9ijaYouth added, “He was in first class expecting money from someone richer, sitting in economy. That’s the kind of humility Nigeria needs. The day Peter Obi leads this country… Lord have mercy!”
While Portable may have intended the story as a light-hearted jab, many Nigerians have interpreted the incident as a testament to Peter Obi’s simplicity, frugality, and contrast to the extravagant culture associated with many political elites. The encounter has further fueled conversations around leadership values, expectations from public figures, and the changing perceptions of power and responsibility in Nigeria.
Watch the video below:
