LAGOS – June 14, 2025
Popular Nigerian street-hop artist Habeeb Okikiola, famously known as Portable* has ignited fresh public debate after sharing a personal encounter with Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP).
In a video posted on his Instagram page, Portable claimed he had met Peter Obi during a recent flight and was surprised by the politician’s modest approach. According to the singer, while he was seated in first class, Obi flew in economy class and offered only a handshake upon meeting him.
“The day I saw Peter Obi, all I got was a handshake,” Portable said in the viral video. “I was flying first class while he was in economy. If it was Tinubu, he would have gifted me bundles.”
His remarks quickly stirred mixed reactions online, with many Nigerians debating the values of humility, simplicity, and political expectations from public figures. Some applauded Obi’s modesty, while others criticised Portable for his focus on material gain.
Peter Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, is well-known for his low-key lifestyle and frugal public spending, a trait he proudly emphasizes as part of his leadership style. Portable’s comment, however, drew attention for comparing Obi to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, implying that the latter is more likely to offer financial rewards.
Meanwhile, Portable also made headlines recently after alleging an attempt on his life during a chaotic performance in Ikorodu, Lagos.
In another video shared via his social media, the Zazu Zeh crooner recounted how his show turned violent, claiming someone tried to inject him with an unknown substance during the event.
“They wanted to do me like Mohbad. Somebody tried to inject me,”** he alleged. **“I had to escape fast. My leg got injured in the process. It was just chaos—fans rushing, people pushing, no proper security.”
Portable compared the incident to the suspicious circumstances surrounding the death of late singer Mohbad, who tragically passed in 2023 amid claims of bullying and mysterious medical treatment.
He also clarified that although there was no physical fight, the environment was dangerously disorganised. His injury, he explained, was a result of trying to escape the aggressive crowd.
“No fight happened, but there was too much confusion. I had to run. I’m safe now, but it was scary,” he said.
The controversial singer has long remained in the spotlight for his unpredictable outbursts and eccentric behavior, often sparking trending conversations on social media. Despite criticism, he continues to command a loyal fanbase, especially among street music lovers.
As of press time, neither Peter Obi nor President Tinubu’s aides had issued any official response to Portable’s comments.
