Presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress NDC, Peter Obi has called for an end to ethnic stereotyping and collective blame, warning that such narratives undermine national unity.
In a statement, Obi said he had personally experienced being judged and labelled based solely on his ethnic background, adding that such experiences reflect a broader national challenge where Nigerians are often reduced to ethnic identities rather than being assessed on individual character.
He also noted that many citizens, including ordinary members of the Fulani community, are frequently subjected to unfair suspicion and stigma due to the actions of criminals with no legitimate link to their ethnic groups.
Citing global civil rights struggles, Obi referenced the advocacy of American civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., who championed the principle that individuals should be judged by the content of their character rather than their 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.
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.
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.
He stressed that crime has no ethnic foundation, stating that offenders should be identified and prosecuted strictly under the law, without being associated with any ethnic nationality.
The former governor urged Nigerians to reject collective ethnic blame, describing it as unjust, divisive and harmful to national cohesion. He called instead for greater emphasis on shared values, cultural diversity and mutual respect.
According to him, Nigeria’s progress depends on building a society where citizens are not discriminated against on the basis of tribe, religion or place of origin, but are united by justice and a common aspiration for national development.
