The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has declared that the responsibility of building a better Nigeria lies primarily with the youth. Obi made this assertion in a post on his official X account on Thursday, where he also expressed support for Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).
Obi Defends Pastor Adeboye
Obi described Pastor Adeboye as a respected figure who has long promoted peace, unity, and reconciliation. He argued that it is unfair to place the burden of national leadership on an 84-year-old when the duty rightfully belongs to younger Nigerians. According to Obi, young people must step up to lead conversations, champion reforms, and drive the positive change the nation urgently requires.
Lessons from the 2023 Elections
Reflecting on the 2023 elections in Lagos State, Obi noted a troubling shift in public discourse. Instead of focusing on competence, governance, and development, conversations were diverted towards tribal sentiments and ethnic divisions. He warned that similar manipulative tactics are resurfacing ahead of the 2027 elections.
Obi called on young citizens to question narratives, verify claims, and reject hatred based on ethnicity or faith. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing collective unity over division to build a better Nigeria.
“Dear Young Nigerians, one lesson from the 2023 elections, particularly in Lagos, should never be forgotten,” Obi said. “Conversations that should have focused on competence, governance, development, and the future of our nation were gradually diverted towards tribal sentiments, ethnic divisions, and unnecessary suspicion among citizens.”
Warning Against Division
Obi cautioned that many well-meaning Nigerians unknowingly participate in narratives designed to divide the nation. He explained that when politicians find it difficult to compete on ideas, performance, character, or vision, they exploit fault lines of ethnicity, religion, and identity.
“Their calculation is simple: a divided people are easier to manipulate than a united people,” he added. Obi urged young Nigerians not to allow anyone to weaponize their ethnicity, faith, or admiration for respected leaders.
“Do not allow anyone to recruit you into hatred,” he advised. “Question every narrative. Verify every claim. Follow the facts. Resist manipulation.”
The Role of Youth
Obi reiterated that the task of building a better Nigeria rests primarily on the shoulders of the younger generation. He stressed that it is their duty to lead the conversations, champion reforms, and drive positive change.
“We must be careful not to become instruments in the hands of those who secretly nurture division while publicly preaching unity,” he warned. “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.”
Obi concluded with a message of hope: “A New Nigeria is Possible.”
