The 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Mr. 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 X handle Monday morning, the former Anambra State governor said Nigerians across all ethnic groups have suffered the pain of stereotyping.
“As an Igbo man, I have endured stereotypes, judgment, and labelling solely based on 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,” Obi wrote.
“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 drew a parallel with the U.S. civil rights struggle:
“Even in America, such unjust labelling fuelled 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.”
The NDC candidate stressed that crime has no ethnicity.
“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 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 unjust, it breeds hatred, and it damages our national unity. 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,” he said.
Obi concluded with a call for unity: “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. A new Nigeria is within our reach.”
