The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Peter Obi, has condemned the growing tendency to associate criminal activities with entire ethnic groups, describing the practice as dangerous, divisive, and harmful to national unity.
In a statement shared on his official Facebook page, Obi stressed that crime should never be viewed through an ethnic lens, noting that criminal acts are committed by individuals and not by tribes or ethnic nationalities.
The former Anambra State governor, who is of Igbo extraction, said he understands the pain of being stereotyped based on ethnicity, adding that many Nigerians have at one point or another faced unfair judgment simply because of their background.
Obi expressed concern about the unfair treatment of ordinary Fulani people, saying they are often wrongly blamed for the actions of criminal elements they neither know nor support.
Drawing a parallel with global civil rights struggles, he referenced the message of equality championed by leaders who advocated that people should be judged by the content of their character rather than their race or origin.
He emphasized that while Nigeria’s ethnic groups each have unique cultures, traditions, and contributions, criminality itself has no ethnic identity.
“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 stated.
He added that individuals who commit crimes should be identified, arrested, and prosecuted in accordance with the law, rather than allowing their actions to be generalized to entire communities.
Obi warned that ethnic profiling fuels hatred, deepens divisions, and undermines national unity, calling it a barrier to building a peaceful and inclusive society.
He urged Nigerians to embrace diversity and focus on shared national values instead of stereotypes that can be exploited for political or social manipulation.
The NDC presidential candidate also called for a “new Nigeria” where citizens are not judged or discriminated against based on tribe, religion, or place of origin.
According to him, Nigeria’s diversity should remain a source of strength, with all citizens working together toward justice, mutual respect, and national development.
