…Says his politics about lifting ordinary Nigerians, not mingling with the mighty
Our Reporter, Abuja
Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has subtly responded to recent attacks from actor and his erstwhile spokesperson, Mr. Kenneth Okonkwo, who accused him of “attracting street urchins” as supporters.
In a post on his official X handle on Wednesday, Obi condemned what he described as a growing culture of class discrimination in Nigerian politics, insisting that every citizen deserves dignity and respect regardless of social or economic status.
“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 wrote.
The former Anambra State governor emphasized that humanity, not elitism, guides his political philosophy.
“I have never and will never look down on anyone, except to lift them up. After all, we can only rise by lifting others,” he stated.
Obi said his politics had always been focused on identifying with the ordinary Nigerians who bear the brunt of corruption and misrule, rather than seeking the company of the “so-called high and mighty.”
“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 said.
The former governor rejected the notion that any Nigerian is of “no value,” describing such views as symptomatic of a morally bankrupt leadership.
“No Nigerian is of no value. No Nigerian is a street urchin,” he stressed.
“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.”
Reaffirming his commitment to social justice and inclusive development, Obi pledged to continue advocating for improved access to 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 ordinary Nigerians enjoy a better life,” he said.
Obi also called for empathy and true leadership: “True leadership is not about mocking the weak, it is about lifting them up…”
