Popular Nigerian singer, Habeeb Okikiola, widely known as Portable, has shared his disappointment after a brief encounter with the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, at the airport in Benin City, Edo State.
The duo met on Sunday, September 16, 2024, where they exchanged pleasantries.
In a viral video circulating on social media, Portable recounted the brief interaction, expressing dissatisfaction with the outcome. The controversial singer claimed that Obi did not offer him anything after their meeting. Portable stated, “Obi cannot give us anything. Obi didn’t give us anything. If it was Tinubu we met, he would have given us something.”
Portable’s comments have sparked various reactions on social media, with some users criticizing him for expecting handouts from politicians, while others compared Obi’s approach with that of President Bola Tinubu. The singer seemed to imply that if he had encountered Tinubu, the president would have been more generous.
The meeting took place while Obi was in Benin City, where he was traveling after attending other engagements. Portable’s remarks have added to the ongoing debates about political figures’ responsibilities when interacting with public figures and entertainers.
Portable, known for his often controversial public statements, has had numerous high-profile encounters with political figures, which often lead to public discussions. Peter Obi, on the other hand, is known for his relatively modest and disciplined approach to politics. His policies and campaign during the 2023 election focused heavily on prudence and anti-corruption, which may explain the nature of his encounter with the singer.
The video of the encounter between Portable and Obi continues to generate reactions across social platforms, where fans of both men have weighed in on the conversation, highlighting the differences between their personalities and approach to public life.
This incident comes after Peter Obi recently visited Benin City for various engagements, including attending the 90th birthday celebration of Esama of Benin Kingdom, Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion.
