According to a report by The Guardian, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has condemned remarks made by former party member and Nollywood actor, Kenneth Okonkwo, who recently described Obi’s supporters as “street urchins” and “low-class Nigerians.”
In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, Obi said it was “deeply unfortunate” that anyone would insult ordinary citizens based on their social or economic status.
He stressed that his politics had never been about aligning with the rich and powerful but about standing with everyday Nigerians who face real hardship.
“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. It is deeply unfortunate that in today’s Nigeria, citizens now look down on fellow citizens in such a degrading manner,” Obi wrote.
He added that every Nigerian, regardless of background, deserves dignity, opportunity, and care. “I have never and will never look down on anyone, except to lift them up. True leadership is not about mocking the weak; it is about lifting them up,” he said.
Obi emphasized that his movement seeks to empower those left behind by bad governance and that dismissing them as “urchins” reflects a deep disconnect from the realities ordinary people face.
Okonkwo, who was once a prominent member of the Labour Party and a spokesperson for Obi’s 2023 campaign, had earlier accused the former governor of Anambra State of betraying him and tolerating misinformation among his supporters.
In an interview with SYMFONI TV, Okonkwo criticized Obi’s leadership, alleging that he “attracts classless street urchins” instead of “distinguished people.” He claimed Obi’s silence over falsehoods spread in his name showed weak leadership.
Okonkwo said, “These are the kinds of problems Peter Obi has, attracting street urchins, classless street urchins. They are ill-bred and ill-mannered. Those are the kind of followers he is attracting now.” See, More, Here>>>
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