Crowds erupt as Peter Obi attends Bishop Chukwu’s funeral in Abakaliki

Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, on Wednesday attended the funeral of the late Bishop Peter Nworie Chukwu in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, where large crowds turned out and repeatedly chanted his name in scenes that blended mourning with visible public excitement.
The funeral service, held at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, drew a large congregation of clergy, political stakeholders and faithful gathered to honour the late bishop, who led the Abakaliki Catholic Diocese until his death earlier in 2026.
The late cleric, Peter Nworie Chukwu, passed away on April 10, 2026, at the age of 60 after a period of illness, a development Obi had previously described as a painful loss.
However, the atmosphere around the funeral took on an unusually energetic tone following Obi’s arrival, with sections of the crowd breaking into chants of “Obi! Obi! Obi!” and gathering around the church premises as he exited after the service.
Eyewitness accounts described scenes of sustained excitement, with attendees recording videos and reacting loudly as the former governor moved through the venue. While the event remained a religious ceremony at its core, the public response quickly became one of the most talked-about moments of the day.
Supporters interpreted the turnout as a reflection of Obi’s enduring grassroots appeal, particularly in parts of the South-East, where political engagement and alignments ahead of the 2027 elections continue to gain momentum.
Ebonyi State is widely viewed as politically aligned with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), making the level of public enthusiasm at the event notable to observers tracking shifting political sentiments across the region.
Obi, however, maintained a subdued and respectful presence throughout the funeral proceedings, joining other mourners in paying tribute to the late bishop and offering condolences to the Catholic community.
The visit adds to a series of high-profile public appearances by the former governor, whose movements continue to attract significant public attention across Nigeria’s political landscape.