‘Crime Has No Ethnicity’: Obi Defends Fulani Against Ethnic Profiling

Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has cautioned Nigerians against associating crime with ethnicity, warning that such stereotypes fuel division and weaken national unity.

In a statement shared on his verified X account on Monday, Obi said many Nigerians have experienced prejudice because of their ethnic backgrounds and stressed that individuals should be judged by their character rather than their tribe, religion, or place of origin.

Drawing from his personal experience as an Igbo man, Obi said he understood the challenges faced by ordinary Fulani people who are often unfairly blamed for crimes committed by a few individuals. He argued that criminal acts should be treated as individual offences and not used to label entire communities.

Referencing the ideals of Martin Luther King Jr., Obi noted that history has shown the dangers of discrimination based on identity. He maintained that criminals should be identified, arrested, and prosecuted according to the law, regardless of their ethnic background.

According to him, ethnic profiling deepens social divisions and creates opportunities for political manipulation. He urged Nigerians to embrace the country’s diversity, reject stereotypes, and focus on building a society where citizens are valued for their character and contributions.

Obi concluded by calling for a new Nigeria where no citizen is condemned because of ethnicity, religion, or birthplace, insisting that unity and justice remain essential to national progress.