The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr. Peter Obi, has said that his supporters are not street urchins, asserting that his involvement in politics has always been to fight for the betterment of humanity.
Obi‘s comment comes in response to recent remarks referring to his supporters as “street urchins” and “classless people”.
Reacting to the derogatory statements on Wednesday, Obi expressed disappointment, saying: “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.
“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 noted that no Nigerian is without value or a street urchin, lamenting that the country’s worsening poverty and hardship have led to a situation where citizens are demeaned by those in leadership positions.
Obi stated that every Nigerian deserves dignity, opportunity, and care, assuring that he would continue to do his 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 added.
