A photograph of Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, shaking hands with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has continued to stir reactions on 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 gesture of submission or deference.
Critics argue that the posture is unbecoming of a politician aspiring for the nation’s highest office, with some describing it as evidence of low self-confidence or political weakness.
Several commentators have also suggested that the image raises questions about Obi’s ability to assert himself politically, particularly within the newly formed African Democratic Congress (ADC), where both politicians are members.
However, activist and public commentator Maduabuchi Idam dismissed these interpretations as superficial, urging Nigerians to focus on competence and leadership qualities rather than body language.
In a statement made available to journalists, Idam acknowledged that a casual observer might draw negative conclusions from the photograph but warned against overinterpreting symbolism from a single moment.
According to him, Obi has consistently projected himself as a calm, disciplined, and principled leader, emphasizing that gentleness should not be mistaken for weakness.
“This picture has been trending since it appeared online today after being shared by Alhaji Atiku Abubakar himself. The attention it has received is unsurprising. It shows Mr. Peter Obi greeting Atiku Abubakar almost on his bent knees, a gesture often associated with sycophancy or favour-seeking.
“Peter Obi has always presented himself as gentle yet firm, calm yet resolute. His demeanor 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.
