Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has strongly condemned recent remarks labelling his supporters as “street urchins” or “low class Nigerians,” declaring that his politics is rooted in empathy, respect, and inclusion. Writing on X , Obi insisted he has never and will never look down on anyone, except to lift them up, and urged Nigerians to reject degrading language that demeans citizens.

Obi’s remarks come in response to a viral video featuring Kenneth Okonkwo, a former Labour Party stalwart, who accused Obi of attracting “classless street urchins” as followers. The 64 year old politician countered that such language betrays a disdain for ordinary citizens, asserting, “no Nigerian is of no value. No Nigerian is a street urchin.” He added that true leadership is about uplifting the marginalized rather than mocking them.