The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has cautioned against the growing tendency to associate criminal activities with specific ethnic groups, describing such narratives as harmful to national unity.
In a post on his verified X handle on Monday, Obi said Nigerians must avoid stereotyping entire communities based on the actions of a few individuals, stressing that crime has no ethnic identity.
“As an Igbo man, I have endured stereotypes, judgment, and labelling solely based on my ethnic origins. This is not an isolated Igbo experience. Most Nigerians have, at some point, been reduced to their ethnicity rather than recognised for their true character,” he said.
He noted that many Fulani people also face similar prejudices due to the actions of criminal elements who do not represent their communities.
“I understand the pain of the ordinary Fulani man today, often unfairly judged by the actions of criminals he does not support, has never met, and who are not representative of his people,” Obi added.
Referencing global civil rights history, Obi cited Martin Luther King Jr., who advocated for judging individuals based on their character rather than their background.
“Even in America, such unjust labelling fueled the civil rights movement and prompted Martin Luther King Jr. to declare that people should be judged by the content of their character, not the colour of their skin,” he said.
The former Anambra State governor argued that while Nigeria’s ethnic groups have distinct cultural identities and contributions, criminal behaviour should never be attributed to any tribe.
“Crime, however, has no ethnicity. A thief is a thief. A terrorist is a terrorist. A kidnapper is a kidnapper. They are bad actors, not representatives of any people. They must be identified, arrested, and punished according to the law,” he stated.
Obi urged Nigerians to reject ethnic profiling and collective blame, warning that such practices deepen divisions and weaken national cohesion.
“We must decisively abandon the dangerous practice of blaming entire ethnic groups for the actions of a few criminals. It is unjust, it breeds hatred, and it damages our national unity,” he said.
He also encouraged citizens to embrace Nigeria’s diversity and resist the use of ethnic stereotypes for political manipulation.
“A new Nigeria must emerge—one where no citizen is condemned because of tribe, religion, or birthplace. We can cherish our cultural roots while standing united by justice, mutual respect, and hope for a better future. We are capable of this. A new Nigeria is within our reach,” he added.
