Former Anambra State Governor and presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has called on Nigerians to stop associating criminal activities with particular ethnic groups, warning that such stereotypes fuel division and undermine national unity.
In a statement shared on his X account, Obi said linking crime to ethnic identities promotes prejudice and unfairly labels innocent people based on their background rather than their actions.
The former Labour Party presidential candidate revealed that he has personally experienced ethnic stereotyping as an Igbo man, noting that many Nigerians have faced similar situations where they are judged because of their tribe instead of their character.
Obi stated that the problem affects people across different ethnic groups, particularly ordinary Fulani citizens who are often unfairly blamed for crimes committed by a few individuals with whom they have no connection.
Drawing parallels with historical civil rights struggles around the world, Obi noted that discrimination based on identity has long created social tensions. He referenced the message of civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr., who advocated for people to be judged by their character rather than their physical appearance or background.
According to Obi, every ethnic group in Nigeria is known for its unique culture, skills, traditions, and contributions to society, but criminal behaviour should never be used to define an entire people.
He stressed that criminals must be treated as individuals and held accountable for their actions under the law, regardless of their ethnic origin.
“As an Igbo man, I have endured stereotypes, judgment, and labelling solely because of my ethnic background. However, this is not an experience unique to the Igbo people. Many Nigerians have at one time or another been reduced to their ethnicity rather than being recognised for who they truly are,” he said.
Obi added that many innocent Fulani people currently face similar prejudice, as they are often judged by the actions of criminals they neither know nor support.
He maintained that crimes such as terrorism, kidnapping, and theft are not tied to any ethnic group, insisting that offenders should be identified, arrested, and prosecuted as individuals rather than being used to stigmatise entire communities.
The former governor urged Nigerians to reject ethnic profiling and embrace unity, mutual respect, and justice.
He warned that blaming whole ethnic groups for the actions of a few individuals only breeds hatred and creates opportunities for divisive interests to exploit existing tensions.
Obi further called on citizens to celebrate Nigeria’s cultural diversity and focus on the positive contributions of all ethnic groups instead of promoting stereotypes.
He concluded by expressing hope for a more inclusive Nigeria where no citizen is discriminated against because of tribe, religion, or place of birth, saying the country can achieve greater unity through fairness, respect, and shared aspirations for a better future.
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