Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has stated that he will never look down on any Nigerian, emphasising that his politics are rooted in empathy, inclusion, and respect for human dignity.
Obi, made this statement while reacting to comments describing some of his supporters as “street urchins” and “low-class Nigerians.” via his X.com (Formerly Twitter) handle on Wednesday.
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The 64-year-old businessman stressed that such statements reflect a disdain for ordinary citizens.
The statement reads, “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.”
Obi said that his politics has always been rooted in humanity and compassion, not elitism or class segregation, and his political philosophy centres on inclusion and empowerment.
“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 added.
Obi said it was wrong to demean struggling Nigerians who continue to bear the brunt of economic hardship, adding that every citizen deserves dignity and opportunity.
“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.”
The ex-Anambra governor reiterated his commitment to policies that prioritise education, healthcare, and poverty reduction, noting that true leadership is defined by compassion, not mockery.
“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.