‘Crime Has No Tribe’ — Peter Obi Condemns Ethnic Labelling, Urges National Unity

Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has criticised the growing trend of linking criminal activities to entire ethnic groups, describing the practice as unfair, divisive, and harmful to Nigeria’s unity.

In a post shared on his X handle on Monday, the former Anambra State governor said he understands the pain of being stereotyped because of his Igbo heritage, adding that many Nigerians have experienced similar prejudice based solely on their ethnicity.

“As an Igbo man, I have endured stereotypes, judgment, and labelling solely based on my ethnic origins,” Obi wrote. “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 said the same unfair treatment is often directed at ordinary Fulani people, many of whom are wrongly judged because of the actions of a few criminals they neither know nor support.

Drawing parallels with the American civil rights movement, the former governor referenced the famous words of Martin Luther King Jr., stressing that people should be judged by the content of their character rather than their background.

“Every Nigerian ethnic group is known for its unique traditions, occupations, skills, and strengths. Crime, however, has no ethnicity,” he stated.

According to Obi, criminals should be identified by their actions, not by the tribe they belong to.

“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,” he said.

The NDC presidential candidate warned that blaming entire ethnic groups for the crimes of a few individuals only fuels hatred and undermines national cohesion.

“It is unjust, it breeds hatred, and it damages our national unity,” he noted, urging Nigerians to celebrate the country’s cultural diversity instead of allowing stereotypes and prejudices to divide them.

Obi further argued that political interests often exploit ethnic sentiments for personal gain, calling on citizens to reject such narratives and embrace a future built on justice, mutual respect, and inclusiveness.

“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,” he added.