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

Obi made the remarks while reflecting on his personal experiences of being stereotyped and labelled due to his ethnic origin, noting that such treatment affects many Nigerians across different ethnic groups.

He said Nigerians are often reduced to ethnic identities instead of being recognised for their personal qualities and contributions to society.

The former Anambra State governor added that he understands the experiences of ordinary Fulani people who are frequently unfairly associated with crimes committed 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,” he said.

Obi drew parallels with the civil rights movement in the United States, noting that discrimination and unjust labelling contributed to the struggle led by 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 said.

He stressed that Nigeria’s ethnic groups each have distinct cultural identities, occupations and strengths, insisting that criminal behaviour must never be linked to ethnicity.

Obi said crime should be treated as an individual act and not attributed to entire communities.

“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 further called for the arrest and prosecution of offenders in line with the law, without generalising their actions to ethnic groups.

The NDC presidential candidate warned that attributing crimes to entire communities is dangerous, saying it fuels hatred and undermines national unity.

He urged Nigerians to reject divisive narratives and embrace inclusivity, warning that such stereotypes are often exploited for political gain.

“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 expressed optimism that Nigeria can build a more inclusive society where citizens are not judged by tribe, religion or place of birth.

“A new Nigeria must emerge one where no citizen is condemned because of tribe, religion, or birthplace,” he added.