Peter Obi, the National Democratic Congress flag bearer, has issued a warning to Nigerian youths against ethnic and religious divisions, urging them not to be used to promote narratives that disrupt national unity. In a post on his X account today, in response to a thread on social media attacks aimed at Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, to lead a protest over worsening insecurity in the country, he said the 2023 general elections, particularly in Lagos State, offered lessons on how public discourse can be diverted from governance and development into ethnic and identity-based sentiments. He stated that politicians who lack development in their administration rely on such divisions to cover up.
Obi Warns Against Exploitation of Divisions
“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,” Obi 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.”
Defense of Pastor Adeboye
Obi cautioned that many Nigerians participate in such narratives without understanding the broader intent. In defense of Pastor Adeboye, he described him as a respected religious leader who has consistently preached peace, unity, and reconciliation. He maintained that it would be unfair to burden the cleric with responsibilities that belong to younger Nigerians, urging youths to take responsibility for driving national change.
“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 said. “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.”
Call for Vigilance and Unity
Obi further advised Nigerians to verify information, question narratives, and resist manipulation. “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.
