Pat Stevens/
Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has condemned recent comments describing his supporters as “street urchins” and “people of no value,” saying such remarks reflect a growing moral decay and social division in Nigeria.
In a strongly worded post on X, Obi said it was deeply unfortunate that some Nigerians have resorted to degrading others based on class or social status, stressing that every citizen deserves dignity and respect.
“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 wrote.
The former Anambra State governor said his political philosophy has always been rooted in humanity, compassion, and equality.
“I have never and will never look down on anyone, except to lift them up. After all, we can only rise by lifting others,” Obi stated. “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.”
Obi insisted that every Nigerian, regardless of economic status, deserves access to dignity, opportunity, and care.
“No Nigerian is of no value. No Nigerian is a street urchin,” he declared. “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 reiterated his commitment to policies that prioritise education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation, noting that true leadership is measured by empathy and service to the vulnerable.
“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,” Obi said. “True leadership is not about mocking the weak, it is about lifting them up.”
The statement has drawn widespread reactions online, with many praising Obi for his inclusive tone and for defending the dignity of ordinary Nigerians amid worsening economic hardship and inequality.
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