The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has cautioned Nigerians against associating crime with ethnicity, arguing that such narratives fuel division and weaken national unity.
Obi made the remarks in a statement posted on his verified X account on Monday, June 8, expressing concern over what he described as the increasing tendency to stereotype entire ethnic groups based on the actions of a few individuals.
The former Anambra State governor said many Nigerians have experienced prejudice because of their ethnic background, noting that he could personally relate to such experiences as an Igbo man.
“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 stated.
Obi specifically spoke about the experiences of ordinary Fulani citizens, whom he said are often unfairly judged because of criminal acts committed by individuals who do not represent the wider community.
“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,” he said.
Drawing parallels with the struggle for civil rights in the United States, Obi referenced the message of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., who advocated judging people by their character rather than their identity.
He stressed that criminality should be viewed as an individual act and not as a reflection of any ethnic group.
“Crime 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,” Obi said.
The former presidential candidate urged security agencies to focus on identifying, arresting, and prosecuting offenders without attaching their crimes to entire communities.
“They must be identified, arrested, and punished according to the law. We must decisively abandon the dangerous practice of blaming entire ethnic groups for the actions of a few criminals,” he added.
Obi further warned that ethnic profiling deepens social divisions and creates opportunities for political manipulation, urging Nigerians to embrace the country’s diversity and focus on shared values.
“A new Nigeria must emerge—one where no citizen is condemned because of tribe, religion, or birthplace,” he said.