The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has condemned ethnic profiling and the tendency to associate criminality with entire ethnic groups, insisting that crime should never be defined by ethnicity.
In a post on his X handle on Monday, Obi warned that judging individuals based on their ethnic background rather than their character fuels division and undermines national unity.
The former Anambra State governor said he could personally relate to the experience of being stereotyped because of his ethnic origin.
“As an Igbo man, I have endured stereotypes, judgment and labelling solely because of 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.
Obi also expressed sympathy for ordinary Fulani people whom he said are often unfairly judged because of the actions of criminal elements who neither represent nor reflect the values of the wider ethnic group.
“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 stated.
Drawing parallels with the civil rights movement in the United States, Obi said the dangers of stereotyping and discrimination based on identity have long been recognised globally.
“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 the need to distinguish between criminal offenders and the communities to which they may belong, arguing that criminality is an individual, not ethnic, trait.
“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.
He urged Nigerians to reject the practice of blaming entire ethnic groups for the actions of a few individuals.
“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.
The former governor also called on citizens to celebrate Nigeria’s diversity and resist narratives that promote prejudice and division.
“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.
“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,” he stated.
