By Olatunbosun Obafemi
The Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has criticised the growing habit among some Nigerians of looking down on their fellow citizens, describing it as a dangerous and demeaning trend.
Obi was reacting to recent comments by some individuals who referred to his supporters as “street urchins” and “people of no value.” The former Anambra State governor said such remarks were insensitive and reflected a troubling mindset that undermines the nation’s unity and shared humanity.
“Lately, I have heard people say that those who follow Peter Obi are low-class Nigerians, and some have even called them ‘street urchins’ and people of no value. It is deeply unfortunate that in today’s Nigeria, citizens look down on one another in such a degrading way,” he said.
Obi stressed that his politics have always been about identifying with ordinary Nigerians rather than aligning with the powerful elite. “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 said.
He added that no Nigerian is without value, condemning the tendency of some leaders to speak condescendingly about struggling citizens. “No Nigerian is a street urchin. It speaks volumes about the state of our nation when the poor are derided by those who should protect them,” Obi stated.
Reaffirming his commitment to social justice and inclusive growth, Obi said true leadership lies in compassion. “Every Nigerian deserves dignity, opportunity, and care. Leadership is not about mocking the weak; it is about lifting them up,” he concluded.
