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The 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Peter Obi, has condemned what he described as “the media framing of crime along ethnic lines”, calling it divisive and unfair to the communities involved.
In a statement posted on his handle X on Monday morning, the former governor of Anambra State said Nigerians of all ethnic groups have suffered the pain of stereotypes.
“As an Igbo man, I have endured stereotypes, judgments and labels based solely on my ethnic origins. This is not an isolated Igbo experience. Most Nigerians, at some point, have been reduced to their ethnicity rather than recognized for their true character,” Obi wrote.
“I understand the pain of the common 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 drew a parallel with the civil rights struggle in the United States:
“Even in America, this unfair labeling fueled the civil rights movement and prompted Martin Luther King Jr. to declare that people should be judged by their character, not the color of their skin.”
The NDC candidate stressed that crime has no ethnicity.
“Each 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 prosecuted according to the law.”
He urged Nigerians to abandon what he called “the dangerous practice of blaming entire ethnic groups for the actions of a few criminals.”
“It is unfair, breeds hatred and damages our national unity. Let us proudly celebrate our diverse cultures, talents and contributions, rather than fall prey to stereotypes and prejudices that politicians and divisive interests exploit for their gain,” he said.
Obi concluded with a call for unity: “A new Nigeria must emerge, where no citizen is condemned because of their tribe, religion or place of birth. We can cherish our cultural roots while remaining united by justice, mutual respect and hope for a better future. We are capable of it. A new Nigeria is within our reach.”
