Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has rebuked those describing his supporters as “street urchins” and “low-class Nigerians,” saying such language reflects disdain for ordinary citizens and the values that bind the nation.
In a post shared on his X handle on Wednesday, October 8, Obi said he found it “deeply unfortunate” that some Nigerians, especially those in positions of privilege, have resorted to class-based insults against citizens who share in his vision for a better country.
The former Anambra state governor said his brand of politics has always been rooted in humanity, empathy, and inclusion, not elitism or class segregation.
‘’Humanity is paramount in my politics, no street urchins
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.
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.
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.
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.”
