Mixed reactions as Photo of PETER OBI greeting ATIKU on bent knees surfaces online

Sunday, January 11, 2026 - A photo of Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, exchanging a handshake with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has continued to generate reactions across social media after it was shared online by Atiku himself.

The image, which shows Obi slightly bent while greeting Atiku, has been interpreted by some Nigerians as a sign of submission or deference.

Critics argue that the posture is unbecoming of a politician seeking the highest office in the land, with some describing it as evidence of low self-esteem or political weakness.

Several commentators have further suggested that the image raises questions about Obi’s ability to assert himself politically, especially within the newly formed African Democratic Congress (ADC), where both politicians are members.

However, activist and public commentator, Maduabuchi Idam, has dismissed such interpretations as superficial, urging Nigerians to focus on competence rather than body language.

In a statement made available to journalists, Idam acknowledged that a casual observer could easily draw negative conclusions from the photograph but warned against overreading symbolism into a single moment.

According to him, Obi has consistently projected himself as a calm, disciplined and principled leader, noting that gentleness should not be mistaken for weakness.

“This picture has been trending since it surfaced on the internet today after being posted by Alh. Atiku Abubarkar himself.

“The reason it has enjoyed such attention is not farfetched.

“Mr. Peter Obi had a handshake with Atiku Abubakar almost on his bended kneels. A character only exhibited by sycophants or favour seekers.

“Peter Obi has always presented himself as gentle but firm, calm yet resolute. His disposition has never suggested aggression, and that should not be used to undermine his capacity for leadership,” Idam said.

He added that Nigeria’s political challenges are not the result of a lack of assertive personalities but rather the repeated imposition of unsuitable leaders on the nation.

Idam urged Nigerians to encourage authenticity among political actors instead of rewarding pretence, stressing that leadership should be judged by competence, capacity and integrity rather than optics.

“Nigeria’s problem is not the absence of haughty characters but the habit of forcing square pegs into round holes,” he stated.