Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress for the 2027 elections, has opened up about his personal encounters with ethnic bias. He revealed that as an Igbo man, he has faced unfair judgment and labeling based on his heritage. Obi made these remarks on X, where he criticized the growing habit of linking criminal acts to specific ethnic groups.
He emphasized that this experience is not exclusive to the Igbo people, pointing out that many Nigerians have been reduced to their ethnic identity rather than being seen for who they truly are. The former governor of Anambra State expressed empathy for ordinary Fulani individuals who are often wrongly accused for crimes committed by people they do not know or endorse.
According to him, offenders should be judged by their deeds, not by their ethnic background. He stated clearly that a criminal is a criminal regardless of tribe, and such individuals must be identified, arrested, and dealt with according to the law. Obi drew inspiration from the civil rights movement in the United States, citing Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream that people would be evaluated by the content of their character rather than the color of their skin.
He stressed that every ethnic group in Nigeria has its own distinct culture, skills, and contributions, while crime knows no ethnic boundary. Obi called on Nigerians to avoid the dangerous practice of blaming entire communities for the misdeeds of a few, warning that such attitudes breed hatred and weaken national unity. He urged a greater appreciation of the country’s cultural diversity and a renewed commitment to justice, mutual respect, and national togetherness.