Peter Obi Declares: "No Nigerian Should Be Called a 'Street Urchin'"

Table of Contents

• Condemnation of Remarks
• Political Philosophy
• Dignity and Opportunity for All
• Response to Low-Class Remarks

Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has criticized the characterization of his supporters as “street urchins” and “people of no value,” labeling the comments as demeaning and unnecessary.

In a post on X on Wednesday titled “Humanity is paramount in my politics, no street urchins,” Obi emphasized that his political philosophy has always been grounded in empathy and respect for every Nigerian, irrespective of their social standing.

Obi remarked that he has never looked down upon anyone, asserting that his political agenda has consistently focused on supporting ordinary Nigerians whose voices have been muted and whose resources have been exploited by the elite.

The former governor of Anambra reiterated that every Nigerian deserves dignity, opportunity, and compassion, highlighting that genuine leadership is about uplifting individuals rather than ridiculing them.

He stated, “Recently, I have heard some individuals claim that those who support Peter Obi are low-class Nigerians, and some have even referred to them as ‘street urchins.’ It is profoundly unfortunate that in contemporary Nigeria, citizens now disparage fellow citizens in such a humiliating manner.

“No Nigerian lacks value. No Nigerian is a street urchin. It reflects poorly on the state of our nation that everyday Nigerians are subjected to poverty and hardship, to the extent that their leaders dismiss them as having no worth.”