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| Obi answering questions from journalists |
Peter Obi, the 2027 presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has called out what he describes as the media’s tendency to frame crime along ethnic lines, saying such coverage is divisive and harmful.
In a post on X on the morning of Monday, June 8, 2026, the former governor of Anambra State condemned stereotyping and collective blame. Obi wrote that, speaking from experience as an Igbo man, he has personally suffered stereotyping, judgment, and labeling based solely on his ethnic background.
He urged journalists, editors, and the public to stop reducing complex security challenges to ethnic identity. According to Obi, attributing criminality to entire communities fuels tension, deepens mistrust between groups, and distracts from efforts to tackle the real causes of crime.
Obi called for fairer, more responsible reporting that focuses on individuals’ actions and the systemic drivers of insecurity rather than broad-brush ethnic characterization.
He argued that balanced coverage would help promote social cohesion and strengthen national unity at a time when the country needs constructive solutions to its security problems.
"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.
"Every Nigerian ethnic group is known for its unique traditions, occupations, skills, and strengths. Crime, however, 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. They must be identified, arrested, and punished according to the law. 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. Let us proudly celebrate our diverse cultures, talents, and contributions, rather than falling prey to stereotypes and prejudices that politicians and divisive interests exploit for their gain. 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. A new Nigeria is within our reach.
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