ABUJA — Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has issued a strong public caution against the practice of linking criminal activity to specific ethnic identities. In a statement released on Monday, June 8, 2026, the former Anambra State governor argued that stereotyping entire groups based on the actions of individual criminals undermines national unity and social cohesion.

Criminality vs. Identity

Obi’s remarks focused on the necessity of decoupling criminal behavior from ethnic affiliation. He stressed that individuals who commit acts of violence, kidnapping, or terrorism should be held accountable solely for their own actions, rather than serving as proxies for their entire ethnic group.

“Crime 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,” Obi stated.

Defending the Fulani Community

A significant portion of Obi’s statement was dedicated to defending ordinary Fulani citizens, who he noted are frequently subjected to collective guilt due to the actions of criminal elements operating in various parts of the country. He argued that these ordinary citizens often have no connection to the perpetrators and are themselves victims of the broader climate of insecurity.

Reflecting on Personal Experience

Drawing on his own background, Obi shared that he has faced similar prejudice as an Igbo man. He highlighted that ethnic labeling is a pervasive issue in Nigeria, affecting diverse groups and preventing citizens from being recognized for their individual character.

To reinforce his point, Obi invoked the legacy of American civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., advocating for a society where individuals are judged by the "content of their character" rather than their place of birth, religion, or tribe.

Call to Action for Law Enforcement

Obi urged Nigerian law enforcement agencies to maintain a professional, individual-based approach to criminal justice:

  • Decouple Justice from Ethnicity: Focus on the arrest and prosecution of specific offenders rather than sweeping generalizations.

  • Reject Political Exploitation: He warned that ethnic profiling is often utilized by political actors to sow discord and exploit divisions for personal gain.

  • Promote Unity: He called for a transition toward a "new Nigeria" that prioritizes shared national values and equality under the law, regardless of ethnic background.