Peter Obi Condemns Class-Based Insults, Declares ‘No Nigerian Is a Street Urchin’
The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, has strongly condemned the use of class-based insults and derogatory remarks directed at his supporters, known as “Obidients.”
In a statement released on Wednesday, the former Anambra State Governor expressed deep disappointment over the growing tendency among some Nigerians to demean others based on their social status or political affiliation.
He stressed that no Nigerian should ever be referred to as a “street urchin” or a person of no value.
Against Elitism and Mocking the Weak
Obi highlighted the unfortunate nature of these attacks, stating: “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.”
The politician reiterated that his political philosophy has always been rooted in service to the common citizen, not association with the elite. He declared: “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 asserted that his involvement in politics is 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.”
Commitment to Dignity and Opportunity
Emphasizing the inherent value and dignity of every Nigerian, regardless of their background, Obi declared: “No Nigerian is of no value. No Nigerian is a street urchin.”
He criticized the current state of affairs, noting that 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 concluded by reiterating his commitment to championing policies that promote dignity, opportunity, and care, stating that true leadership must be rooted in compassion and service.
He reminded political leaders that “True leadership is not about mocking the weak; it is about lifting them up.”
