NDC Presidential candidate, Peter Obi
Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has called on Nigerians to reject ethnic profiling and stereotypes, warning that blaming entire communities for the crimes of a few individuals threatens national unity and peaceful coexistence.
In a message shared on his X account on Monday, Obi reflected on his personal experience as an Igbo man, saying he understands the pain of being judged based on ethnic identity rather than individual character.
“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.
The former Anambra State governor expressed sympathy for ordinary Fulani citizens who, he noted, are often unfairly associated with crimes committed by individuals 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 stated.
Drawing parallels with the civil rights struggle in the United States, Obi referenced the words of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., arguing that people should be assessed by their conduct rather than their ethnic or racial 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.
Obi stressed that criminality should never be linked to ethnicity, insisting that those who commit crimes must be treated as individuals and held accountable under the law.
“Every Nigerian ethnic group is known for its unique traditions, occupations, skills, and strengths. 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 said.
The former presidential candidate warned that assigning collective blame to ethnic groups for the actions of a few criminals only deepens divisions and fuels mistrust among citizens.
“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,” Obi added.
He further urged Nigerians to celebrate the country’s rich diversity while resisting efforts by politicians and other vested interests to exploit ethnic differences for personal gain.
“Let us proudly celebrate our diverse cultures, talents, and contributions, rather than falling prey to stereotypes and prejudices that politicians and divisive interests exploit for their gain,” he said.
Calling for a more inclusive and united nation, Obi said Nigerians must build a society where no citizen is judged because of tribe, religion or place of birth.
“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.”
