Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
The presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has cautioned Nigerian youths against being drawn into ethnic and religious divisions, warning that such narratives are often exploited by politicians to distract from issues of governance and national development.
Obi’s remarks followed growing criticism on social media directed at Enoch Adeboye over the country’s worsening security challenges.
Some commentators had urged the cleric to publicly condemn the Federal Government or lead protests, citing a widely circulated photograph that allegedly showed him participating in a demonstration against the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.
However, Redeemed Christian Church of God dismissed the claim, explaining that the image was taken during a peaceful walk held under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari and was unrelated to any political protest.
In a statement shared on his X account on Thursday, Obi said recent developments reminded him of the 2023 general election period, particularly in Lagos, when public debate was shifted from governance, competence and development to identity-based politics.
“Throughout history, whenever politicians find it difficult to compete on ideas, performance, character, or vision, some resort to exploiting the fault lines of ethnicity, religion, and identity. Their calculation is simple: a divided people are easier to manipulate than a united people,” he said.
“Today, I see similar efforts emerging again, sometimes in more subtle and sophisticated ways. Narratives are planted, amplified, and circulated, often by individuals who genuinely believe they are defending a worthy cause, without recognising the broader agenda behind such campaigns.”
Defending Adeboye, Obi described the 84-year-old cleric as a respected religious leader whose public interventions have consistently promoted peace, reconciliation and national unity.
“Let me state clearly that Pastor Enoch Adeboye remains one of the foremost fathers of faith in our nation. For decades, he has consistently preached the virtues of peace, prayer, love, reconciliation, and national unity. Even when faced with provocation, his response has always reflected humility, restraint, wisdom, and grace,” Obi stated.
He argued that younger Nigerians should not shift their responsibilities to elderly leaders, insisting that meaningful change must be driven by the nation’s youth.
“At 84 years of age, it would be unfair for young and able-bodied Nigerians to transfer to him responsibilities that properly belong to them.
“The task of building a better Nigeria rests primarily on the shoulders of the younger generation. It is their duty to lead the conversations, champion the reforms, and drive the positive change our nation urgently requires,” he said.
Obi further urged citizens to scrutinise information carefully and resist efforts aimed at creating division among Nigerians.
“The Nigeria of our dreams can only be built by citizens who refuse to be divided, who choose unity over hatred, and who place our collective future above narrow interests,” he added.
