Peter Obi, the Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate, has condemned what he calls the dangerous practice of linking crime to entire ethnic groups. He made the appeal on Monday via his X account.
Obi said he understands ethnic stereotyping firsthand. "As an Igbo man, I have endured stereotypes, judgment, and labelling solely based on my ethnic origins," he wrote.
The former Anambra governor stressed that this pattern extends beyond the Igbo people. Most Nigerians have experienced being reduced to their ethnicity rather than judged on individual merit, according to him.
He drew parallels with the American civil rights movement. Martin Luther King Jr. fought against this exact injustice, Obi noted, citing the leader's famous call to judge people by character, not by race.
Obi said he empathizes with ordinary Fulani people. They face unfair judgment because of criminals they don't support, represent, or even know, he argued.
Each Nigerian ethnic group possesses distinct traditions and strengths. Crime transcends ethnicity, Obi emphasized in his message.
"A thief is a thief. A terrorist is a terrorist.
A kidnapper is a kidnapper," he stated bluntly. These individuals are criminals, not ethnic representatives, he insisted.
Bad actors must face arrest and prosecution under the law. But entire communities shouldn't bear the blame for their actions, Obi contended.
Labeling ethnic groups for crimes breeds hatred and fractures national unity. Politicians and divisive interests exploit such prejudices for personal gain, he warned.
Nigeria must build something different going forward. Citizens shouldn't face condemnation based on tribe, religion, or birthplace, Obi declared.
Cultural pride and national unity aren't mutually exclusive, according to the NDC candidate. Nigerians can celebrate their diverse heritage while embracing justice and mutual respect, he said.
"A new Nigeria is within our reach," Obi concluded. He believes the nation possesses the capacity to achieve this vision of inclusion and fairness.
