My Politics Not for the High and Mighty — Obi Replies to “Street Urchins” Comment
By [Reporter’s Name]
Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has responded to recent remarks describing his supporters, popularly known as Obidients, as “street urchins,” saying his brand of politics identifies with ordinary Nigerians and not the privileged elite.
Obi made the statement on Wednesday while reacting to comments by Kenneth Okonkwo, a former Labour Party chieftain, whose viral video accused the former Anambra governor of “attracting classless street urchins” and failing to restrain his followers from spreading misinformation.
“These are the kind of problems that Peter Obi has, attracting classless street urchins… all those rabies-infested dogs, they are ill-bred, very ill-mannered, ill-tempered street urchins,”
Okonkwo said in the video.
In his response, Obi described the comments as “deeply unfortunate,” noting that such statements reflect a growing tendency among some Nigerians to demean others based on class or social status.
“Humanity is paramount in my politics. No street urchins. Recently, I have heard people say that those who follow Peter Obi are low-class Nigerians, and some even call them ‘street urchins’ and people of no value,” he said.
Obi stressed that his political philosophy is rooted in empathy, inclusion, and respect for every citizen, regardless of social or economic background.
“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 added.
The former governor stated that his political involvement was never about mingling with the so-called high and mighty, but about giving voice to ordinary Nigerians whose resources and dignity have long been eroded by corrupt leadership.
“My politics is 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,” Obi said.
He further argued that labeling struggling citizens as “urchins” reflects the depth of inequality and moral decay in the nation.
“No Nigerian is of no value. No Nigerian is a street urchin. It speaks volumes about our society when poverty and hardship are used to ridicule the people our leaders should care for,” he noted.
Reaffirming his commitment to people-centered governance, Obi said true leadership is about empowering citizens, not mocking their circumstances.
“Every Nigerian deserves dignity, opportunity, and care. True leadership is not about mocking the weak; it is about lifting them up,” he said.
