The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has urged Nigerians to reject ethnic profiling and avoid associating criminal activities with entire ethnic groups, warning that such narratives threaten national unity and social cohesion.
In a statement shared on his official X account on Monday, Obi said individuals should be judged based on their actions and character rather than their ethnic background, religion, or place of origin.
Reflecting on his personal experiences, Obi said he understood the pain caused by ethnic stereotypes, noting that many Nigerians have faced unfair judgments because of their ancestry.
“As an Igbo man, I know what it feels like to be judged and labelled simply because of where one comes from. This experience is not unique to the Igbo people; many Nigerians have faced similar prejudices at different times,” he said.
The former governor of Anambra State expressed concern over what he described as the unfair treatment of ordinary Fulani citizens who are often blamed for crimes committed by a few individuals.
“I sympathise with the average Fulani man who is sometimes unfairly judged because of criminal acts carried out by people he neither knows nor supports. Such individuals do not represent an entire ethnic group,” Obi stated.
Drawing lessons from the civil rights movement in the United States, Obi referenced the ideals championed by civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., stressing the importance of evaluating people based on character rather than identity.
“History has shown the dangers of stereotyping people because of their background. Society progresses when individuals are assessed by their conduct and values, not by ethnicity or race,” he said.
Obi maintained that while Nigeria’s ethnic groups contribute significantly to the country’s cultural diversity and development, criminality should never be attributed to any tribe.
“A criminal remains a criminal regardless of ethnic origin. Whether it is kidnapping, terrorism, theft, or any other offence, responsibility lies with the perpetrators, not with an entire community,” he said.
He called on security agencies and the justice system to focus on identifying and prosecuting offenders while discouraging collective blame.
“We must abandon the habit of condemning whole ethnic groups for the wrongdoing of a few. Such actions only deepen divisions, promote hatred, and weaken our national unity,” Obi added.
The former presidential candidate further urged Nigerians to embrace diversity and resist attempts by political actors or vested interests to exploit ethnic differences for personal gain.
“Our diversity should be a source of strength, not division. We should celebrate our different cultures and contributions while working together to build a more united and just society,” he said.
Obi concluded by expressing optimism about Nigeria’s future, saying the country can become a nation where citizens are valued for their integrity and contributions rather than their ethnic or religious identities.
“A new Nigeria is possible, one where every citizen is treated fairly and judged by character, competence, and commitment to the common good. Together, we can build that future,” he said.
