Nigerian political figure Peter Obi has issued a strong rebuke against recent derogatory comments aimed at his supporters, pushing back against claims that his followers are “low-class” citizens and “street urchins.”
In a statement released on his X Wednesday, Obi expressed deep concern over the growing tendency among Nigeria’s political elite to disparage ordinary citizens, describing such rhetoric as symptomatic of the nation’s deteriorating social fabric.
“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,” Obi said, condemning what he characterized as a degrading attitude toward fellow citizens.
The former Anambra State governor made clear his philosophy of inclusive leadership, stating: “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 framed his political involvement as fundamentally different from traditional power politics, emphasizing his commitment to marginalized communities rather than elite circles.
“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 declared.
The statement comes amid ongoing political tensions in Nigeria, where economic hardship and poverty have intensified divisions between the political class and everyday citizens. Obi directly connected the elitist language to Nigeria’s worsening socioeconomic conditions.
“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 said, asserting that “No Nigerian is of no value. No Nigerian is a street urchin.”
Outlining his vision for the country, Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) pledged continued advocacy for policies focused on education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation. “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.”
He concluded with a pointed message about the essence of leadership: “True leadership is not about mocking the weak, it is about lifting them up.”
