Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has unequivocally condemned the derogatory language often directed at his supporters, popularly known as ‘Obidients.’
In a powerful statement addressing the issue, Obi firmly asserted, “No Nigerian Is A Street Urchin,” pushing back against the negative labeling and attempts to diminish the legitimacy and value of the millions who rally behind his political aspirations.
The sentiment driving Obi’s statement stems from the frequent use of condescending terms by opposing political camps and commentators to dismiss his base.
Terms like “miscreants,” “vagabonds,” or, most notably, “street urchins,” have been deployed in the public sphere, suggesting that his supporters are uneducated, unruly, and lack any meaningful political insight or stake in the nation’s future.
Obi views this as not merely a political tactic, but a profound insult to the dignity of the Nigerian people and a dangerous attempt to sow division and discourage political participation.
Obi’s response seeks to reframe the narrative, insisting that his supporters represent a broad spectrum of the Nigerian society, unified by a shared yearning for a better, more accountable government.
He highlighted that the ‘Obidient’ movement comprises highly educated professionals, students, young entrepreneurs, hardworking artisans, and committed citizens from every corner of the country.
To label such a diverse and passionate group with demeaning epithets is, in his view, both inaccurate and profoundly disrespectful to the democratic process.
The former governor argued that a true leader should never seek to denigrate or alienate any segment of the population, especially those who are actively participating in the democratic process and expressing their political will.
He characterized the use of such insulting language as a clear sign of intellectual bankruptcy and a failure on the part of the detractors to engage with the substantive issues that his movement is raising. Rather than addressing the calls for fiscal discipline, reduced corruption, and improved public services, opponents, he suggests, resort to personal attacks and character assassination of the supporters.
Obi’s condemnation is a rallying call for respect and decorum in the national conversation.
He reminded Nigerians that every citizen, regardless of their background, social status, or political leaning, deserves to be treated with respect and dignity.
He emphasized that the strength of a democracy lies in its ability to accommodate diverse voices, not in silencing or insulting those with differing views.
His message is clear: the energy and passion of his supporters are a legitimate force for positive change, and attempts to delegitimize them through verbal abuse will not only fail but will further expose the intolerance of those propagating the insults.
By firmly stating that “No Nigerian Is A Street Urchin,” Obi sought to reclaim the dignity of his supporters and elevate the political discourse above the mire of personal and class-based insults.
His statement serves as a powerful defense of the right of every Nigerian to participate fully and respectfully in the political life of the country, no matter who they choose to support.
