Key points:
- Obi says no Nigerian is of no value. He rejects demeaning labels.
- He vows to lift ordinary people with policy and care. He stresses education and health.
- His post draws wide support online. Critics face firm pushback.
Peter Obi has pushed back at claims that his followers are “street urchins”. He said the tag insults decent Nigerians who seek a fair system. He added that no citizen is of “no value”. He wrote that leaders must show care, not scorn.
In a long post on X, @PeterObi set his tone. “Humanity is paramount in my politics, no street urchins,” he said. He noted some now call his supporters low class. He called the trend “deeply unfortunate” and “degrading”.
Obi says dignity for every Nigerian
Obi said he will never look down on anyone. “I have never and will never look down on anyone, except to lift them up,” he wrote. He said the aim is to raise lives through work, not mock them. “We can only rise by lifting others,” he added.
He linked the insults to deeper national pain. “Everyday Nigerians, now battered by poverty and hardship,” he said, face harsh words. He argued that many resources “have been stolen by the same ‘big names’”. He said those elites now flaunt titles. He urged leaders to choose service over show.
Obi promised continued work on social goods. He listed access to school, strong health care, and real plans to fight poverty. “Every Nigerian deserves dignity, opportunity, and care,” he said. He framed the goal as a better life for ordinary people.
Context and reactions
The post drew swift replies from supporters. Many thanked him for clear words. Others said the slur misses the movement’s drive for reform. His message also spurred debate on class and labels in public talk. Some critics stood by harsh words. Many users pushed back and urged civility.
Obi’s comments echo earlier calls on hardship and reform. He has urged leaders to cut waste and ease the load on homes. He has also defended citizen voices in public life. See our explainer on Peter Obi’s message on hardship and poverty. Grassroots work remains key for his camp as the cycle moves on. Recent drives show reach beyond big cities. Read more in Labour Party grassroots strength across states.
Obi closed with a hopeful line. “True leadership is not about mocking the weak,” he wrote. “It is about lifting them up.” He signed off with a pledge. “A New Nigeria is Possible.”
