Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has denounced comments describing some of his supporters as “street urchins” and “low-class Nigerians,” stating that such remarks reflect a lack of respect for ordinary citizens.
In a post shared via his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Wednesday, Obi emphasised that his political values are grounded in empathy, inclusion, and human dignity, not elitism or class segregation.
“Lately, I have heard a few people say that those who follow Peter Obi are low-class Nigerians, and some have even gone as far as calling them ‘street urchins’ and people of no value. It is deeply unfortunate that in today’s Nigeria, citizens now look down on fellow citizens in such a degrading manner,” he said.
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The 64-year-old businessman stressed that his political philosophy has always been about lifting people up, not looking down on them, adding that he aligns himself with everyday Nigerians rather than the elite.
“I have never and will never look down on anyone, except to lift them up. After all, we can only rise by lifting others. My involvement in politics has never been about associating with the so-called high and mighty, but about standing with the ordinary Nigerians whose voices have been silenced and whose resources have been stolen by the same ‘big names’ who now parade themselves with all sorts of titles and names,” he said.
Obi condemned the tendency to demean struggling Nigerians, pointing out that citizens enduring economic hardship deserve dignity and opportunity, not ridicule.
“No Nigerian is of no value. No Nigerian is a street urchin. It speaks volumes about the state of our nation that everyday Nigerians are now battered by poverty and hardship, to the point their leaders refer to them as of no value, and urchins,” he stated.
The former Anambra State governor reaffirmed his commitment to pursuing policies that prioritise education, healthcare, and poverty reduction, insisting that genuine leadership must be defined by compassion.
“Every Nigerian deserves dignity, opportunity, and care. That is why I will continue to do my part to ensure that the ordinary Nigerians enjoy a better life, one built on access to education, quality healthcare, and genuine efforts to lift them out of poverty.
“True leadership is not about mocking the weak; it is about lifting them up,” Obi said.
