In a display of bipartisan piety (and perhaps a touch of campaign trail desperation), former presidential aspirant Peter Obi sent social media into a frenzy with a whirlwind tour of religious institutions over the past week.
Peter Obi, known for his frugality, first graced a mosque in Nasarawa, breaking Ramadan fast with a gaggle of surprised worshippers. Photos emerged online of a bewildered Obi attempting to spoon-feed dates to a particularly enthusiastic toddler. Sources report the child, upon receiving the date, promptly flung it at a nearby wall, demanding chin-chin instead.
Undeterred, Obi then embarked on a daring cross-country mission, materializing at Markaz (Islamic study center) in Lagos’ bustling Agege neighborhood. Here, Obi reportedly attempted to engage in scholarly theological debate with a group of learned Imams. However, the discourse is said to have hit a snag when Obi, ever the budget hawk, realized he’d forgotten his wallet and couldn’t contribute to the post-lecture communal potluck.
“He kept asking if anyone accepted Naira notes these days,” chuckled one Imam, wiping tears of mirth from his eyes. “We assured him cash was still very much in circulation, but alas, Mr. Obi seemed to have left his at home.”
Luckily, a quick-thinking attendee discreetly slipped Obi a plate of jollof rice, whispering, “On the house, sir. But next time, maybe bring some change for the offering box?”
Obi, ever the gracious guest, reportedly accepted the rice with a sheepish grin and mumbled something about “prudent financial management.”
Social media, of course, had a field day. Memes depicting Obi’s “accidental piety” and “strategic fasting” flooded timelines. One particularly popular post featured a photoshopped image of Obi breaking his fast with a plate of bullion cubes, a not-so-subtle reference to his reputation for fiscal conservatism.
Whether this religious road trip was a genuine gesture of faith or a cleverly disguised campaign stunt remains to be seen. One thing’s for sure, Peter Obi has once again proven himself a master of staying in the public eye, even if it means potentially leaving fellow worshippers a little hangry.
