The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) Peter Obi has criticised the practice of framing criminal activities along ethnic lines.
He labelled the trend as a divisive tool that threatens Nigeria’s national cohesion.
In a statement posted on his X page on Monday, Obi argued that reducing individuals to their ethnic backgrounds rather than evaluating them by their personal actions fosters deep-seated animosity and weakens the fabric of the country.
Drawing from his personal perspective as an Igbo man, he disclosed that he has repeatedly faced stereotypes, judgment, and profiling based strictly on his place of origin.
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The former governor of Anambra State noted that this destructive experience is not unique to any single group, as the vast majority of Nigerians have faced unfair generalizations at various times.
Obi extended this observation to the plight of the average Fulani citizen, noting that millions of innocent people are being unjustly condemned for the actions of bad actors they have never met and do not endorse.
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“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.
“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.”
Political exploitation
The former governor drew a historical parallel to the United States Civil Rights Movement, recalling how systematic profiling prompted Civil Rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. to declare that individuals should be judged by the content of their character rather than the color of their skin.
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Obi warned that holding an entire demographic responsible for the lawlessness of a few individuals is inherently unjust.
He cautioned Nigerians to remain vigilant against yielding to prejudices and cultural stereotypes, which he claimed are frequently manipulated by politicians and divisive interests for selfish political gains.
“We must decisively abandon the dangerous practice of blaming entire ethnic groups for the actions of a few criminals,” Obi insisted.
“It is unjust, it breeds hatred, and it damages our national unity.”
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He called for the emergence of a reformed Nigeria built upon the pillars of mutual respect, justice, and collective hope
Obi maintained that while citizens should celebrate their diverse cultural roots, talents, and contributions, national development can only be achieved when no Nigerian is marginalized or condemned based on their tribe, religious beliefs, or place of birth.
