Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has condemned rising cases of ethnic profiling in Nigeria, warning that linking criminal behaviour to entire communities undermines national unity and fuels division.

In a statement posted Monday, June 8, 2026, on his verified X account, the former Anambra State governor said crime should be treated strictly as individual wrongdoing rather than an ethnic or collective identity.

“We must decisively abandon the dangerous practice of blaming entire ethnic groups for the actions of a few criminals,” Obi said. “It is unjust, it breeds hatred, and it damages our national unity.”

Obi urged Nigerians to reject narratives that stereotype entire ethnic groups, noting that such generalisations are often used to deepen political and social tensions.

He said many Nigerians have experienced discrimination based solely on ethnicity and warned that such treatment weakens trust and cohesion in a diverse society.

The opposition leader also expressed concern about the stigmatization of certain communities, including Fulani populations, who he said are often unfairly associated with the actions of criminal elements they do not represent.

To reinforce his message, Obi referenced the civil rights philosophy of Martin Luther King Jr., stressing the importance of judging individuals based on personal actions rather than identity markers.

He argued that Nigeria’s diversity should be seen as a strength rather than a basis for division, adding that criminality must be addressed through law enforcement and justice systems without collective blame.

Obi called on security agencies to focus on identifying and prosecuting individuals responsible for crimes, rather than allowing public narratives to target entire ethnic groups.

He also urged Nigerians to embrace unity while respecting cultural differences, saying a fair and inclusive society remains essential to national progress.

“A new Nigeria must emerge, one where no citizen is condemned because of tribe, religion, or birthplace,” he said, calling for greater mutual respect and national cohesion.