The Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, has condemned the growing tendency among some Nigerians to look down on their fellow citizens, describing it as deeply unfortunate.
Obi was reacting to recent comments which, he said, referred to some of his supporters as “street urchins” and “people of no value.”
According to the former Anambra State governor, such statements are degrading and reflect a troubling mindset.
“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.
He emphasised that he has never looked down on anyone, except in an effort to lift them up, stressing that his political journey is rooted in identifying with the ordinary Nigerian.
“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 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 asserted that no Nigerian is without value and criticised the growing tendency of some leaders to speak condescendingly about struggling citizens.
“No Nigerian is of no value. No Nigerian is a street urchin. It speaks volumes about the state of our nation that everyday Nigerians, battered by poverty and hardship, are now referred to by their leaders as being of no value — and as urchins,” he said.
He added that every Nigerian deserves dignity, opportunity, and care.
“That is why I will continue to do my part to ensure that 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,” he concluded.
