My Politics Is For The Ordinary People, Not The Elite — Obi Replies "Street Urchins" Remark.

Peter Obi.

Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has dismissed recent remarks describing his supporters, popularly referred to as Obidients, as “street urchins,” stating that his political ideology aligns with ordinary Nigerians rather than the elite class.

Obi made this statement on Wednesday in reaction to comments from Kenneth Okonkwo, a former Labour Party member, whose viral video accused him of “attracting classless street urchins” and of failing to manage his supporters who allegedly spread misinformation.

In the video, Okonkwo stated, “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. These are the kind of followers he’s attracting now.”

Responding to the remarks, Obi described it as “deeply unfortunate” that some Nigerians continue to demean others in such derogatory ways.

“Humanity is paramount in my politics. No street urchins. 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,” he said.

The former governor of Anambra emphasised that every Nigerian, regardless of their social class or financial status, is entitled to dignity and respect.

“I have never and will never look down on anyone, except to lift them up. After all, we can only rise by lifting others,” Obi said.

He further explained that his political involvement has never been about associating with powerful individuals, but rather about supporting ordinary Nigerians whose voices are often ignored and whose resources have been misappropriated by the same “big names” who flaunt their titles and status.

Obi maintained that such elitist thinking reflects the broader issues within the country, where poverty and inequality have made ordinary citizens targets of condescension from those in privileged positions.

“No Nigerian is of no value. No Nigerian is a street urchin,” he stated. “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 inclusive governance, Obi stated that genuine leadership entails uplifting the vulnerable and ensuring all citizens have access to essential services, including education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.

“Every Nigerian deserves dignity, opportunity, and care. True leadership is not about mocking the weak; it is about lifting them up,” he added.