Peter Obi Condemns Labeling of Supporters as “Street Urchins,” Says Every Nigerian Deserves Dignity

Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has condemned the description of his supporters as “street urchins” and “people of no value,” calling the remarks degrading and unworthy of any public discourse.

In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, titled “Humanity is Paramount in My Politics, No Street Urchins,” Obi said his political philosophy is rooted in empathy and respect for all Nigerians, regardless of class or background.

“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,’” he wrote.

“It is deeply unfortunate that in today’s Nigeria, citizens now look down on fellow citizens in such a degrading manner.”

“No Nigerian Is of No Value”

Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, said he has never looked down on anyone, emphasizing that his politics has always been about giving voice to the marginalized and restoring dignity to ordinary citizens.

“No Nigerian is of no value. No Nigerian is a street urchin,” he said.

“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.”

He added that leadership should be about lifting people up, not mocking or demeaning them.

“My Politics Is About Empathy and Service”

Reaffirming his commitment to inclusive leadership, Obi said his politics is built on humanity, fairness, and compassion — principles he believes are essential to rebuilding Nigeria.

“I have always stood with the poor, the downtrodden, and those whose resources have been stolen by the elite,” he said.

“True leadership is about lifting people up, not mocking them.”

Obi’s comments come amid renewed political discourse around class, dignity, and the treatment of his supporters—many of whom have been described as highly passionate but often dismissed by opponents.