The Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has condemned what he described as a disturbing trend of Nigerians looking down on their fellow citizens, following remarks that referred to some of his supporters as “street urchins” and “people of no value.”
In a statement on Tuesday, the former Anambra State Governor said such comments were degrading and revealed “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 to lift them up,” stressing that his political mission has always been about identifying with ordinary Nigerians.
“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,” he stated.
Obi criticised the growing tendency among some leaders to speak condescendingly about struggling citizens, saying every Nigerian has intrinsic 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, battered by poverty and hardship, are now referred to by their leaders as being of no value and as urchins,” he said.
He reaffirmed his commitment to championing the dignity and welfare of the common man, adding that every Nigerian deserves access to education, healthcare, and opportunities for a better life.
