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The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Party (NDC), Peter Obi, in a post made via his official X handle on Monday, condemned the habit of pinning the crimes of a few individuals on entire ethnic groups, warning that the practice is quietly poisoning whatever is left of Nigeria’s national unity.
Speaking from personal experience, the former Anambra governor said: “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.”
He extended the same sympathy to ordinary Fulani people bearing the weight of crimes committed by herdsmen, terrorists and bandits who share their identity but not their values.
“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 said.
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On what should happen to actual criminals, Obi stressed: “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 punished according to the law.”
Obi also warned that politicians deliberately exploit ethnic prejudice for personal gain, urging Nigerians to resist it.
“We must decisively abandon 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,” he said.
