Peter Obi, the 2027 presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has appealed to Nigerian youths to stop attacking the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye.
In a statement posted on X, Obi warned young Nigerians against falling prey to ethnic and religious manipulations orchestrated by politicians and their agents.
The appeal follows growing criticism of the cleric by some Nigerians who accuse him of failing to speak out against the current administration of President Bola Tinubu as vocally as he did during the tenure of former President Goodluck Jonathan.
The critics attribute the perceived silence to ethnic and religious affiliations with the Tinubu family.
Reacting to the attacks, Obi urged Nigerians not to forget the lessons from the 2023 elections, particularly in Lagos.
“In the period following the presidential election and leading up to the governorship election, we witnessed a troubling shift in public discourse.
“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. Many sincere and well-meaning Nigerians participated in these conversations without realising that they were being drawn into narratives carefully designed by others,” Obi wrote.
He noted that history has shown that when politicians struggle to compete on ideas, performance, character, or vision, they often exploit the fault lines of ethnicity, religion, and identity to divide the people.
“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,” he said.
The former Anambra State governor described Pastor Adeboye as one of Nigeria’s foremost fathers of faith, who for decades has preached peace, prayer, love, reconciliation, and national unity.
“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 added.
Obi cautioned Nigerians against being used as instruments by those who secretly promote division while publicly preaching unity.
“Their target is not the individual being attacked; instead, it is the person who is attacking. Their real objective is to weaken the bonds that hold us together as one people and one nation.”
He concluded with a direct appeal to the youth, saying, “I therefore urge all young Nigerians: do not allow anyone to recruit you into hatred. Do not allow anyone to weaponise your ethnicity, your faith, or your admiration for respected leaders.
“Question every narrative. Verify every claim. Follow the facts. 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.” Obi noted.
