Former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has condemned the growing trend of associating crime with particular ethnic groups, warning that such stereotypes fuel division and threaten national unity.

In a statement released on Monday, Obi argued that criminality should be treated as the act of individuals rather than being attributed to entire ethnic communities. He stressed that “crime has no tribe” and urged Nigerians to reject narratives that unfairly stigmatize law-abiding citizens based on their ethnic background.

Reflecting on his personal experience as an Igbo man, Obi said he understands the pain and consequences of ethnic stereotyping. According to him, many innocent people suffer discrimination because they are judged by the actions of a few individuals who share their ethnic identity.

The former Anambra State governor specifically cautioned against profiling Fulani people because of crimes committed by criminal elements. He noted that while security challenges such as banditry and kidnapping must be confronted decisively, entire ethnic groups should not be blamed for the actions of criminals.

Obi maintained that terrorists, kidnappers, and other criminals should be identified and prosecuted based on their individual actions, not their ethnicity. He argued that linking crime to ethnic identity promotes prejudice, deepens social divisions, and distracts from efforts to address insecurity effectively.

Drawing parallels with the civil rights movement in the United States, Obi referenced the message of Martin Luther King Jr., emphasizing that people should be judged by their character and actions rather than their ethnicity, religion, or place of origin.

He further called on the media, political leaders, and citizens to exercise caution in the way crimes are reported and discussed, warning that ethnic profiling could worsen tensions in Nigeria’s diverse society. Obi urged Nigerians to celebrate the country’s cultural diversity and focus on building unity rather than reinforcing stereotypes.