The Presidential Candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has condemned ethnic stereotyping and prejudice in Nigeria, urging citizens to judge individuals based on their character rather than their ethnic background.

Obi made the call while reflecting on his personal experiences of being stereotyped, judged, and labelled because of his ethnic origin, noting that such treatment is not unique to the Igbo ethnic group.

According to him, many Nigerians have at one time or another been reduced to their ethnicity instead of being recognised for who they truly are.

The former Anambra State governor said he understands the challenges faced by ordinary Fulani people who are often unfairly associated with criminal activities carried out by a few individuals.

“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,” Obi said.

Drawing parallels with the civil rights struggle in the United States, Obi noted that unjust labelling and discrimination were among the factors that fueled the movement led by civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr.

“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.

Obi stressed that Nigeria’s various ethnic groups are known for their distinct cultures, traditions, occupations, skills, and strengths, insisting that criminality should never be linked to ethnicity.

“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,” he said.

He maintained that criminals should be identified, arrested, and prosecuted in accordance with the law without attributing their actions to entire ethnic communities.

The NDC presidential candidate warned that blaming whole ethnic groups for the crimes of a few individuals is dangerous and counterproductive, saying it promotes hatred and undermines national cohesion.

“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 said.

Obi further urged Nigerians to embrace and celebrate the country’s diversity rather than succumb to stereotypes and prejudices that are often exploited by politicians and other divisive interests for personal gain.

He expressed optimism that Nigeria could build a more inclusive society where citizens are not judged based on 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. We are capable of this,” he added.