Obi condemns ‘street urchin’ label on supporters, says all Nigerians valuable

Peter Obi, former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), says every Nigerian deserves dignity and opportunity, regardless of their social or economic status.

The former Anambra governor spoke through a statement shared on his X page on Wednesday, while reacting to “remarks” describing his supporters as “street urchins” and “people of no value”.

Obi said it is unfortunate that some Nigerians now demean others because of political differences.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

Obi said true leadership should focus on providing quality education, healthcare, and opportunities that empower citizens to escape poverty.

“True leadership is not about mocking the weak, it is about lifting them up,” he added.