“A thief is a thief, crime has no tribe”: Peter Obi condemns ethnic profiling

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has cautioned Nigerians against linking criminal activities to ethnic groups, describing the trend as divisive and dangerous to national unity.

In a statement shared via his verified X handle on Monday, Mr Obi urged citizens to resist judging entire communities by the actions of a few criminal elements, insisting that crime has no ethnic identity.

“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 said.

Obi speaks on Fulani stereotyping

Mr Obi stated that many Fulani people are currently facing similar prejudice because of the actions of criminal groups that do not represent the wider community.

“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,” he added.

The former Anambra State governor stressed that insecurity and criminality should never be used to stigmatise entire ethnic groups.

References Martin Luther King Jr.

Drawing parallels with the civil rights struggle in the United States, Mr Obi referenced Martin Luther King Jr. and his message about judging individuals by character rather than identity.

“Even in America, such unjust labelling fueled the civil rights movement and prompted Martin Luther King Jr. to declare that people should be judged by the content of their character, not the colour of their skin,” he stated.

“A thief is a thief”

Mr Obi argued that while Nigeria’s ethnic groups are known for their cultures and contributions, criminality should not be attached to any tribe.

“Crime, however, 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. They must be identified, arrested, and punished according to the law,” he said.

He warned that ethnic profiling and collective blame only deepen division and weaken efforts to build national unity.

“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 added.

Calls for unity and national healing

Mr Obi further urged Nigerians to celebrate diversity rather than allow ethnic and religious differences to be manipulated for political interests.

“Let us proudly celebrate our diverse cultures, talents, and contributions, rather than falling prey to stereotypes and prejudices that politicians and divisive interests exploit for their gain,” he said.

He also advocated for a Nigeria where citizens are judged by their actions and integrity rather than tribe, religion or place of birth.

“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.

“A new Nigeria is within our reach,” Mr Obi stated.