Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has reaffirmed his belief in equality and empathy, declaring that he would never look down on any Nigerian regardless of their social or economic status.
Obi made the statement on Wednesday via his official X (formerly Twitter) handle while responding to remarks that described some of his supporters as “street urchins” and “low-class Nigerians.”
The 64-year-old politician and businessman said such comments reveal a troubling disregard for ordinary citizens.
According to him: “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 emphasised that his political philosophy is grounded in compassion, inclusion, and respect for human dignity—not elitism or class division.
“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.
The former Anambra governor condemned the tendency to demean struggling citizens who continue to endure Nigeria’s economic hardships, stressing that every individual has inherent worth.
“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,” he said.
Reiterating his commitment to building a fairer society, Obi said he remains focused on policies that promote 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.
“True leadership is not about mocking the weak; it is about lifting them up,” Obi said.
